ABSTRACT
This review summarizes the clinical studies involving the once-weekly Ortho Evra℗ (U.S. trademark)/Evra℗ (E.U. trademark) contraceptive patch. The patch delivers norelgestromin (NGMN), 150 μg, and ethinyl estradiol (EE), 20 μg, daily to the systemic circulation. The contraceptive patch provided ovulation suppression and cycle control similar to that of oral norgestimate 250 μg/EE 35 μg, significantly decreased mean maximum follicular diameter following a 3-day intentional delayed dosing phase when compared with oral levonorgestrel (LNG) 50/75/125 μg/EE 30/40/30 μg and oral LNG 100 μg/EE 20 μg, and was as effective as oral LNG 50/75/125 μg/EE 30/40/30 μg and oral desogestrel 150 μg/EE 20 μg 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 μg/EE 30/40/30 μg, 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.
KEYWORD
Ortho Evra - Evra - transdermal contraception - pharmacokinetics - adherence
