The clinical use of monthly injectable contraceptive preparations.

Abstract

The clinical use of monthly injectable contraceptive preparations is reviewed. The preparations include estrogen-progestogen combinations progestogen only and estrogen only. Clinical trials of monthly injectables were done with: 1) Deladroxate - 150 mg dihydroxyprogesterone (Algestone) acetophenide (DHPA) + 10 mg estradiol enanthate (EE) in 1 ml oil: 2) Cycle-Provera - depot medroxyprogesterone acetophenide + 10 mg estradiol-3- Benzoate 17beta butyrate; acetate (DMPA) + estradiol cypionate; 3) Unimens - 150 mg 16-17 dihydroxyprogesterone 4) Gravibinon - 250 mg 17alpha-OH progesterone (250 mg) caproate + 5 mg estradiol valerate; 5) 50-70 norethisterone enanthate (Net En) and 5-10 mg estradiol unducelate; 6) 25 mg norgestrel and 5 mg estradiol hexahydrobenzoate; 7) Czechoslovakian injectables; 8) progestogen-only preparations; and 9) estrogen only. The rate of continuation with the use of injectable contraceptives compares favorably with that of IUDs and pills. Most studies show a carryover cumulative effect to subsequent cycles. There is a tendency toward a significant dropout rate following 12 months of use and a delay in return to fertility. The main advantage of monthly injectables is a better cycle control that with the ones used for longer periods.