Abstract
Reductions in oral contraceptive (OC) estrogen dose and the development of new progestins have resulted in formulations that maintain acceptable cycle control while improving safety. However, the potential safety benefits of low-estrogen doses may be offset by less acceptable cycle control. These observations have led to the development of 2 triphasic OC formulations containing norgestimate and desogestrel in combination with 25 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE). Both of these 25-μg EE triphasic OCs balance fewer estrogen-related side effects with good cycle control comparable to OCs containing higher estrogen doses. However, questions remain about the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with OCs containing desogestrel. A new monophasic 30-μg EE OC contains drospirenone, a spironolactone analogue with which there is limited experience. Although initial data with this OC are intriguing, product labeling highlights safety issues related to its antimineralocorticoid effects and the potential for hyperkalemia. Further experience with this formulation will determine its role in contraceptive practice.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
