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
