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  • Title: The new pills: awaiting the next generation of oral contraceptives.
    Author: Klitsch M.
    Journal: Fam Plann Perspect; 1992; 24(5):226-8. PubMed ID: 1426186.
    Abstract:
    Even though oral contraceptives (OCs) with the new 3 progestins are the most widely prescribed OCs in the world, especially in Europe, they still are not available to US women. Gestodene's, desogestrel's, and norgestimate's effective daily dose are only 75 mcg, 150 mcg, and 250 mcg, respectively, while the daily dose of norethindrone in OCs used in the US ranges from 350-1000 mcg. The older progestins alter lipid metabolism, thus increasing cardiovascular disease risks. Some studies indicate that the new progestins induce fewer lipid metabolic changes than the older progestins. A 1988 study in West Germany suggests, however, that women who use gestodene may be at increased risk of thromboembolism. Yet, similar research in the UK and also in West Germany did not find this association. There has been concern for many years about OCs' ability to change glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. 5 studies show that OCs with desogestrel cause fewer such disturbances than those with levonorgestrel. 1 study also finds that OCs with gestodene do not alter glucose and insulin levels. On the other hand, 1 study suggests, that OCs with gestodene increase glucose and insulin levels over 6 months. European studies of the new progestins demonstrate their low 1-year method failure rates (gestodene, 0.07/100 users; desogestrel, 0.04/100 users; and norgestimate, [pregnancy rate] 0.25/100 users). Further, the 3 progestins result in a smaller proportion of women who have side effects (breakthrough bleeding or spotting, 3-9%, breast discomfort or headaches, 10-13%). Yet, researchers have not directly compared the effectiveness and acceptability of the 3 new progestins. A legal dispute between 2 pharmaceutical companies prevented the marketing of norgestimate in 1990. 1 company claims patent infringement. The US Food and Drug Administration is now evaluating gestodene and desogestrel. It probably will not approve gestodene until the question of apparent excess of thromboembolism is resolved.
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