Norgestimate InformationProof vs PerceptionExpert Opinion Videos
Norgestimate—A highly selective and efficient progestin1
  • Norgestimate demonstrates high progestational activity with low androgenic activity2
    • –  Androgenic activity is associated with acne/oily skin, hirsutism, and
          weight gain3
Data from progestational and androgenic in vitro receptor-binding affinities. In vitro activity does not necessarily correlate with clinical results.
*Adapted from Phillips A et al.
  • Minimal progestin-related side effects - Overall, the most frequently reported adverse events in the ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® LO treatment group were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, abdominal pain, breast pain, dysmenorrhea, and sinusitis4
    References:
  1. Phillips A, Demarest K, Hahn DW, Wong F, McGuire JL. Progestational and androgenic receptor binding affinities and in vivo activities of norgestimate and other progestins. Contraception. 1990;41:339-410.
  2. Phillips A, Hahn DW, McGuire JL. Preclinical evaluation of norgestimate, a progestin with minimal androgenic activity. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1992;167:1191-1196.
  3. Dickey RP. Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients. 12th ed. New Orleans, LA: Emis Medical Publishers; 2004.
  4. Data on file, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Progestin activity

Perception: Total hormone exposure relates only to estrogen dose and regimen.

PROOF: Criteria for choosing an optimal OC may include prescribing an effective OC with the lowest progestin activity level and dose.1

  • In addition, triphasic design also helps to minimize overall exposure to progestin2
  • Selecting a triphasic OC containing a low-activity progestin and a lower overall progestin dose may therefore reduce undesirable side effects1
  • Progestin-related side effects include1:
      - acne/oily skin   - weight gain   - hirsutism
*Drospirenone also exhibits anti-mineralocorticoid activity, which may be associated with increased potassium levels.3 As such, product labeling recommends restricting use with certain patients or in combination with certain drugs.4 Drugs that may increase serum potassium when taken daily and for long-term chronic conditions include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and NSAIDs.
    Reference:
  1. Dickey RP. Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients. 12th ed. New Orleans, LA: Emis Medical Publishers; 2004.
  2. Cedars MI. Triphasic oral contraceptives: review and comparison of various regimens. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:1-14.
  3. Yasmin - an oral contraceptive with a new progestin. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002;
    44:55-57.
  4. Yasmin® (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) [prescribing information].
    Montville, NJ:Berlex, Inc.
What do the experts say about progestin's role in cycle control and
selectivity?
Take a moment to review these short videos from a contraceptive expert.

Progestin's Role in Cycle Control
J Kell Williams, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Division of Gynecologic Specialties
University of South Florida
Ortho Women's Health & Urology™ Consultant Speaker



Progestin: The Relativity of Selectivity
J Kell Williams, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Division of Gynecologic Specialties
University of South Florida
Ortho Women's Health & Urology™ Consultant Speaker