Triphasic OCs produce adverse trends in lipid profiles

The increasing evidence of a link between oral contraceptive (OC) use and myocardial infarction and other vascular disorders has prompted study of the effect of oral contracer .1ves on plasma lipid profiles, most studies have focused on the monophasic contraceptives. However, in a randomised study in which 200 women received of 3 triphasic contraceptive preparations or nonhormonal contraception, no difference was observed between the triphasic preparations which caused an increase in triglyceride levels, HDL3 levels and apolipoprotein A 1 levels, and a decrease in HDL2 level.

'From what is known about the relationship of coronary heart disease and plasma lipid levels, the change of plasma lipid levels induced by triphasic contraceptives may be viewed as a somewhat adverse trend.'

Patsch W. Brown SA. Gotto AM. Young RL. The effect of triphasic oral

contraceptives on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. American Journal of

Obstetncs and Gynecology 161 1396-1401. Nov 1989 ""

0156-2703/89j1216-0017j0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press INPHARMA® 16 Dec 1989 17