Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel betters other triphasic preparations With less intermenstrual bleeding

From a multicentre study of 313 women (18-37 years of age) randomised to 1 of 3 triphasic oral contraceptives. it was found that the incidence of spotting andjor breakthrough bleeding was about 2 and 3 times greater with 2 triphasic oral contraceptives containing norethisterone + ethinylestradiol ('Ortho-Novum 7 j7 /7' and 'T ri­Norinyl', respectively) than a combination of levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol ('Triphasil') Tri­Norinyl was assoc1ated with a higher incidence of amenorrhoea than the other 2 triphasics Adverse effects including abdominal discomfort, headache. nausea and breast discomfort occurred w1th a similar frequency for each combination All preparations were effective at preventing pregnancy. Schrllrng LH. Boldrng OT Chenault CB. Chong AP Fleury F. et al Evaluat1on of the cl1n1cal performance of three tnphasrc oral contraceptrves a mult1center random1sed comparatrve trral Amencan Journal of Obstetncs and Gynecology 160. 1264-1268. May 1989 '"

0156-2703/89/0610-0009/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press INPHARMA' 10 Jun 1989 9