title: An update on new orally administered contraceptives for women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The focus in contraception is shifting from oral contraceptives to more effective methods, such as implants and intrauterine devices. Generics are favored by third-party payors. As a result, potentially exciting developments in branded pills to increase safety or to reduce side effects may have gone unnoticed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews the features of each of the four new oral contraceptives that have been introduced in the United States and/or Europe in the last few years. The motivation for the development of each product is outlined as is its efficacy, safety, tolerability and the noncontraceptive applications that have been explored are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hypothesis that using estradiol in place of ethinyl estradiol would reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism is still to be proven. However, the stronger progestogens used in these formulations may offer other tangible benefits for selected women. The new products for extended cycle pill use may have less impact. The flexible regimen can be adopted using any pill, but the approved product does provide convenience to patients. Cost will continue to be the determining factor in the acceptance of these new products, unless substantial health benefits can be conclusively proven.
authors.affiliation: a Obstetrics and Gynecology , David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Manhattan Beach , CA , USA.
authors.forename: Anita L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008535:Megestrol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009277:Nandrolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D009649:Norpregnadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D009649:Norpregnadienes; D011372:Progestins; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C023635:dienogest; D004958:Estradiol; D009277:Nandrolone; C038501:nomegestrol acetate; D008535:Megestrol
keywords: dienogest; estradiol; estradiol valerate; flexible regimens extended cycle oral contraceptives; nomegestrol acetate; oral contraceptives; triphasic extended cycle oral contraceptives