Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO NOVUM 1 50 21.
ORTHO EVRA vs ORTHO-NOVUM 1/50 21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
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.
Combination oral contraceptive consisting of mestranol (estrogen) and norethindrone (progestin). Mestranol is converted to ethinyl estradiol, which suppresses gonadotropin release (FSH, LH) from the pituitary, inhibiting ovulation. Norethindrone induces changes in cervical mucus (increasing viscosity) and endometrial lining, creating a hostile environment for sperm implantation.
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).
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each tablet contains 1 mg norethindrone and 50 mcg mestranol.
None Documented
None Documented
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Norethindrone: biphasic terminal half-life 7-9 hours for parent compound, 8-11 hours for metabolites; clinical steady-state achieved after 5-7 days.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Renal 50-60% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of norethindrone and mestranol/metabolites; fecal 20-30% via biliary elimination.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive