Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN.
ORTHO EVRA vs ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN
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.
Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial lining.
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 (norgestimate 0.180-0.215-0.250 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg) orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo or no tablets.
None Documented
None Documented
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Norethindrone: ~8 hours (terminal). Ethinyl estradiol: ~12-15 hours (terminal). Clinical context: Steady-state achieved within 5-7 days; contraceptive efficacy maintained with daily dosing.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Norethindrone: 60-80% renal (as metabolites), 20-40% fecal. Ethinyl estradiol: ~40% renal, ~60% fecal. Biliary excretion contributes to fecal elimination.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive