Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN LO.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO EVRA versus ORTHO TRI CYCLEN LO.
ORTHO EVRA vs ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN LO
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 (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (norgestimate) oral contraceptive. Suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation; increases cervical mucus viscosity, impeding sperm penetration; alters endometrial lining, reducing implantation likelihood.
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 orally for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo tablets. Each active tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.18 mg norelgestromin (days 1-7), 0.215 mg norelgestromin (days 8-14), 0.25 mg norelgestromin (days 15-21).
None Documented
None Documented
Norelgestromin: ~28 hours (range 21-36) allowing weekly dosing; Ethinyl estradiol: ~17 hours (range 13-21)
Norelgestromin: 15-20 hours; Ethinyl estradiol: 13-16 hours. Steady-state achieved within 7 days.
Renal: ~50% (as glucuronide conjugates of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol); Fecal: ~35% (as metabolites); Biliary: minor
Renal (∼40% as metabolites, <10% unchanged) and fecal (∼30% as metabolites); conjugated metabolites excreted in bile and undergo enterohepatic circulation.
Category C
Category C
Hormonal Contraceptive
Hormonal Contraceptive