A clinical study of transdermal contraceptive patch in Thai women.
OBJECTIVE
To study cycle control, compliance and safety of a transdermal contraceptive patch in Thai women.


METHODS
Sixty-nine healthy women were assigned to receive 3 cycles of contraceptive patch (ethinyl estradiol 20 microg and norelgestromin 150 miccrog/day). All participants aged 18-45 years were invited to participate at the family planning clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Adverse effects, perceived advantages, and disadvantages were collected.


RESULTS
The participants averaged 22.4 years old, height 158.9 cm, weight 52.5 kg, BMI 20.7. The most common location of patch application was abdomen and the most adverse event was application site reaction (29%) followed by breast tenderness, nausea vomiting, and headache. The breast symptom was mild in severity. The participants reported decrease in dysmenorrhea and shorter duration of bleeding. Only 1.1% had breakthrough bleeding. There were no significant changes in body weight and blood pressure. Improvement of their facial acne was reported. There were no pregnancies during the use and the adhesion of contraceptive patch was excellent, partial patch detachment was reported at only 14.4%. No complete patch detachment was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The study found an overall positive impression of new transdermal contraceptive patch. Good compliance and few side effects were demonstrated. The adhesive of the contraceptive patch was excellent.
Suwanmalee
Othanee
O
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Rd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Taneepanichskul
Surasak
S
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010091:Oximes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013785:Thailand
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010091:Oximes; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C449219:norelgestromin