Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 7 14 21 versus OVULEN 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 7 14 21 versus OVULEN 21.
ORTHO-NOVUM 7/14-21 vs OVULEN-21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive: suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, alters endometrial receptivity.
Combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive; inhibits gonadotropin release, suppressing ovulation; increases viscosity of cervical mucus, impeding sperm penetration; alters endometrial development.
One tablet containing 0.5 mg norethindrone/0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (white tablets) on days 1-14, then one tablet containing 1 mg norethindrone/0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol (peach tablets) on days 15-21, then no tablets for 7 days; repeated cycles.
One tablet (ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg and norethindrone 1 mg) orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days without medication.
None Documented
None Documented
Norethindrone: 10-12 hours (terminal), ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (terminal); clinical context: steady state achieved within 5-7 days
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (mean ~17 hours); norethindrone: 5-14 hours (mean ~8 hours); terminal half-life supports once-daily dosing.
Renal: ~40% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates; Fecal: ~20%; Biliary: minor
Renal: 50-60% as metabolites; fecal: 30-40% as conjugates; biliary excretion significant.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive