Once-a-month injectable contraceptives.

ABSTRACT

PIP Two long-acting injectable progestogen-only preparations, DMPA and NET-EN, have been used for many years, but produce unpredictable and often unacceptable bleeding patterns. Combined progestogen/estrogen preparations which are equally effective, yet capable of yielding more predictable menstrual patterns have therefore been under development. Cyclofem and Mesigyna are two such preparations which have recently become available. Cyclofem contains 25 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg estradiol cypionate, while Mesigyna is comprised of 50 mg norethisterone enanthate and 5 mg estradiol valerate. The World Health Organization reviewed available toxicological data on DMPA and NET-EN in 1982 and found the agents to be safe for human use. A group of experts convened at the behest of the World Health Organization, June 1993, reviewed these more recent formulations to find them safe and effective reversible products for fertility regulation which can be added to the existing range of contraceptive methods. Cyclofem and Mesigyna can be used by all potential contraceptive users provided that precautions are taken to assess potential risk factors. They are highly effective, have a low incidence of side-effects, and offer vaginal bleeding patterns which are better than those seen with progestogen-only injectables.^ieng