title: Ortho Evra/Evra versus oral contraceptives: follicular development and ovulation in normal cycles and after an intentional dosing error.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effects of the contraceptive patch to oral contraceptives (OCs) on follicular size and incidence of ovulation in normal cycles and after dosing errors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, open-label.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-four ovulatory women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects received either the patch (groups 1 and 2) or one of three OCs. Correct dosing occurred in cycles 1, 2, 3, and 5. The following dosing errors were planned during cycle 4, a shortened 10-day cycle: [1] patch group 1 subjects wore one patch for 10 consecutive days; [2] for patch group 2 and OC subjects, 7 dosing days were followed by 3 drug-free days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Follicular size, as determined at each cycle by the maximum mean follicular diameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a 3-day dosing error, follicular size was significantly smaller in the patch group (mean, 7.0 mm) vs. each OC group (range of means, 11.8-17.1 mm). Similar results were seen after proper dosing. The incidence of ovulation was significantly lower for the patch users than for women using OCs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Follicular size and incidence of ovulation were significantly reduced among contraceptive patch users compared with women using OCs in normal cycles and after planned dosing errors.
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. pierson@erato.usask.ca
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Pierson
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.forename: Michèle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moreau
authors.forename: Gary A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Shangold
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: George W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Creasy
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D045166:Estradiol Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005003:Ethisterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008508:Medication Errors; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010091:Oximes; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D045166:Estradiol Congeners; D010091:Oximes; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D005003:Ethisterone; C449219:norelgestromin