Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN 21.
ORTHO EVRA vs ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN 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 estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropin secretion (FSH, LH) via negative feedback, preventing ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity.
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 daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo, then repeat. Each tablet contains 0.180 mg norgestimate and 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (days 1–7), 0.215 mg/0.035 mg (days 8–14), and 0.250 mg/0.035 mg (days 15–21). Oral route.
None Documented
None Documented
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Norgestimate: ~24 hours (terminal); ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (terminal). Steady-state achieved within 5-7 days; clinical significance: missed doses may increase contraceptive failure risk.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Renal: ~70% (metabolites, primarily glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~30% (biliary elimination of unchanged drug and metabolites).
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive