Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21 versus TRI LEGEST 21.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ORTHO NOVUM 7 7 7 21 versus TRI LEGEST 21.
ORTHO-NOVUM 7/7/7-21 vs TRI-LEGEST 21
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combined hormonal contraceptive; primarily suppresses ovulation via inhibition of gonadotropin release (LH and FSH) from the pituitary. Also induces changes in cervical mucus and endometrium.
Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive; suppresses gonadotropins (FSH, LH), inhibits ovulation, alters cervical mucus and endometrium.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of no tablets. Each tablet contains norethindrone 0.5 mg/0.75 mg/1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg, with biphasic or triphasic dosing per cycle.
One tablet orally once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 tablet-free days. Each tablet contains norgestimate 0.18 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 1-7), norgestimate 0.215 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 8-14), norgestimate 0.25 mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (days 15-21).
None Documented
None Documented
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours; norethindrone: 8-14 hours; with multiple dosing, steady state after 5-7 days.
Ethinyl estradiol: 13-27 hours (mean ~17 hours); norgestimate active metabolite (norelgestromin): 22-36 hours (mean ~28 hours). Steady-state achieved within 5-10 days.
Renal: <10% unchanged; biliary/fecal: ~50% as metabolites; extensive enterohepatic recirculation.
Renal: approximately 50-60% as metabolites; fecal: approximately 40-50% (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate metabolites excreted in bile and feces); less than 1% unchanged in urine.
Category C
Category C
Oral Contraceptive
Oral Contraceptive