A continuous regimen of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol for contraception and elimination of menstruation.
Clinicians and patients desiring amenorrhea for therapeutic or social reasons will find continuous-use 90 microg levonorgestrel/20 microg ethinyl estradiol to be an attractive oral contraceptive dosing option. Although other formulations of oral contraceptives can be dosed in a continuous manner off-label, the convenience of a 28-day dose pack represents a major advance that will likely increase acceptability of the strategy. The availability of FDA-approved continuous-use 90 microg levonorgestrel/20 microg ethinyl estradiol will help mainstream continuous oral contraception in the same way that Preven and Plan B helped legitimize and mainstream emergency contraception. Patients wishing to use continuous 90 microg levonorgestrel/20 microg ethinyl estradiol must recognize and accept that unscheduled breakthrough bleeding is typical during the first four to six cycles of use. Control of cycle-related symptoms may emerge as an off-label indication for use.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. jensenje@ohsu.edu
Jeffrey T
JT
Jensen
D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination