Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CYCLEN 28 versus ORTHO EVRA.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO CYCLEN 28 versus ORTHO EVRA.
ORTHO CYCLEN-28 vs ORTHO EVRA
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. The primary mechanism is inhibition of gonadotropin secretion (FSH and LH) via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thereby suppressing ovulation. Additional effects include thickening of cervical mucus (impedes sperm penetration) and alterations in the endometrium (reduces implantation likelihood).
Combination hormonal contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin. Ethinyl estradiol suppresses gonadotropin (FSH and LH) release, preventing ovulation. Norelgestromin is a progestin that also inhibits ovulation and induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium to impede sperm penetration and implantation.
One tablet (0.18 mg norgestimate/0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol) orally once daily for 28 days, first tablet on day 1 of menstrual cycle with 7 placebo tablets in last 7 days.
Transdermal: Apply one patch (releases 150 mcg norelgestromin and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per 24 hours) weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin on lower abdomen, buttock, upper arm, or upper torso (excluding breasts).
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; Norelgestromin (active metabolite of norgestimate): 28-52 hours. Terminal half-lives support once-daily dosing.
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Renal (60-70% as metabolites, ~20% unchanged), Fecal (30-40% as metabolites); primarily conjugated metabolites of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive