title: Contraception with progestagens in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: To test the efficacy and tolerance of progestagens as contraceptives in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 200 mg IM norethisterone enanthate was administered to 10 patients, 0.03 mg/day oral levonorgestrel to 15 patients and they were compared with 18 control patients. There were 4 episodes of active SLE in 48 patient-months on norethisterone enantate and 6 episodes in 122 patient-months on levonorgestrel as compared with 9 episodes of active disease in 298 control patient-months (p = ns). There were no pregnancies and intermenstrual bleeding led to discontinuation of medication in 30% of patients. Progestagens may be an alternative contraceptive method in SLE.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D009644:Norgestrel; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D009640:Norethindrone