A novel estetrol-containing combined oral contraceptive: European expert panel review.

PURPOSE: Despite considerable advances in recently developed combined oral contraceptives (COCs), resulting in lower rates of adverse events while maintaining contraceptive efficacy, there is interest in further innovation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estetrol (E4), a native oestrogen, and progestin drospirenone (DRSP) were combined in a new COC. A European expert panel reviewed the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety and tolerability of this combination. Their findings are presented as a narrative review. RESULTS: E4 15 mg/DRSP 3 mg in a 24/4 regimen provided effective contraception with good cycle control, characterised by a predictable regular bleeding pattern and minimal unscheduled bleeding, together with a good safety profile. The combination was associated with high user satisfaction, well-being, and minimal changes in body weight. The effects on endocrine and metabolic parameters were limited, and the combination was found to have a limited impact on liver function and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, its effect on several haemostatic parameters was lower than that of comparators containing ethinyl oestradiol (EE) 20 µg/DRSP 3 mg and EE 30 µg/levonorgestrel 150 µg. CONCLUSION: E4 15 mg/DRSP 3 mg provides safe and effective contraception, with high user satisfaction and predictable bleeding. Further research will evaluate the long-term safety of the COC.

A novel estetrol-containing combined oral contraceptive: European expert panel review.

PURPOSE: Despite considerable advances in recently developed combined oral contraceptives (COCs), resulting in lower rates of adverse events while maintaining contraceptive efficacy, there is interest in further innovation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Estetrol (E4), a native oestrogen, and progestin drospirenone (DRSP) were combined in a new COC. A European expert panel reviewed the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety and tolerability of this combination. Their findings are presented as a narrative review. RESULTS: E4 15mg/DRSP 3 mg in a 24/4 regimen provided effective contraception with good cycle control, characterised by a predictable regular bleeding pattern and minimal unscheduled bleeding, together with a good safety profile. The combination was associated with high user satisfaction, wellbeing, and minimal changes in body weight. The effects on endocrine and metabolic parameters were limited, and the combination was found to have a limited impact on liver function and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, its effect on several haemostatic parameters was lower than that of comparators containing ethinyl oestradiol (EE) 20mg/DRSP 3 mg and EE 30mg/levonorgestrel 150mg. CONCLUSION: E4 15 mg/DRSP 3 mg provides safe and effective contraception, with high user satisfaction and predictable bleeding. Further research will evaluate the long-term safety of the COC.

Comparison of two levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system Donasert® (also known as Levosert®) compared with the reference product Mirena® for the alleviation of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phase 3 multicentre, non-inferiority, active-controlled study in non-menopausal women with HMB (menstrual blood loss [MBL] ≥ 80 mL) as the primary symptom randomised to either Donasert® or Mirena® and followed for 6 months. MBL was evaluated using a validated, modified version of the Wyatt pictogram. RESULTS: Overall, 312 were randomised (158 to Donasert® and 154 to Mirena®). The mean (standard deviation) absolute change in MBL from baseline to 6 months in the per-protocol population (N = 300) was -130 (71.8) mL and -127 (67.3) mL in the Donasert® and Mirena® groups, respectively; non-inferiority of Donasert® was confirmed (p-value <0.0001). Successful treatment of HMB (MBL <80 mL) and a decrease to ≤50% of baseline MBL was achieved in 139/154 (90.3%) and 126/146 (86.3%) participants in the Donasert® and Mirena® groups, respectively and the between-treatment difference was non-significant. Most adverse events were mild in severity. Only two device expulsions occurred in the study and there were no uterine perforations. CONCLUSIONS: Donasert® has equivalent efficacy and safety during the first 6 months foralleviation of HMB compared to the reference device, Mirena®. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 348 (Clinical Trials Registry of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, http://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/default.aspx).