Low dose injectable contraceptive norethisterone enanthate 20mg monthly - II. Metabolic side effects.

ABSTRACT

Metabolic effects of a long-acting low dose injectable contraceptive, norethisterone enanthate 20-mg, monthly injections (Neten-20), was tested in 13 women belonging to the low income groups over a period of 1 year. No change was observed in hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, iron, calcium, or serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase after treatment. Marginal rise in albumin and fall in some globulin fractions was observed. The slight fall seen in serum alkaline phosphatase could be attributed to a change in lactation status. Vitamin A, pyridoxine and riboflavin status were not altered. A peculiar aberration in the tryptophan-niacin pathway as indicated by rise in kynurenic acid excretion after tryptophan load was observed. This could be corrected by multivitamin therapy. These data suggest that the use of Neten-20 for one year does not lead to adverse metabolic effects analogous to those seen with combination type oral contraceptives.

ABSTRACT

PIP 3 women were injected monthly with 20 mg. of norethindrone enanthate (NETEN-20), and observed for 1 year for any metabolic side effects. The only changes observed were a slight rise in albumin, and a decrease in some globulin fractions, and in serum alkaline phosphotase. Vitamin status was not altered, except in the trytophoniacin pathway, an occurrence easily corrected. These results suggest that side effects with NETEN-20 are fewer than those caused by combined oral contraceptives.