title: Transdermal contraception.
abstract: This review summarizes the clinical studies involving the once-weekly Ortho Evra/Evra contraceptive patch. The patch delivers norelgestromin (NGMN), 150 microg, and ethinyl estradiol (EE), 20 microg, daily to the systemic circulation. The contraceptive patch provided ovulation suppression and cycle control similar to that of oral norgestimate 250 microg/EE 35 microg, significantly decreased mean maximum follicular diameter following a 3-day intentional delayed dosing phase when compared with oral levonorgestrel (LNG) 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 micorg and oral LNG 100 microg/EE 20 microg, and was as effective as oral LNG 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 microg and oral desogestrel 150 microg/EE 20 microg in altering cervical mucus composition (i.e., creating a scanty, viscous consistency). The contraceptive patch provided efficacy, cycle control, and safety comparable to that seen with oral LNG 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 microg, but women were able to correctly follow the weekly dosing regimen significantly more often than the daily oral contraceptive dosing regimen. Less than 2% of patches were replaced because of complete detachment in these trials. The patch was not associated with phototoxicity or photoallergy. The contraceptive patch, the only noninvasive, weekly birth control method that a woman can self-administer, will be a valuable addition to current contraceptive options.
authors.affiliation: The R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Raritan, New Jersey 08869, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Creasy
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004343:Drug Implants; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005003:Ethisterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010091:Oximes; D011247:Pregnancy; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004343:Drug Implants; D010091:Oximes; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D005003:Ethisterone; C449219:norelgestromin