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Pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials evaluating the effects of a novel combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol/drospirenone on bleeding patterns in healthy women. Contraception 2022; 116:29-36. [PMID: 35921872 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the bleeding patterns of a new combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol (E4) 15 mg/drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg in a 24/4-day regimen. STUDY DESIGN We pooled bleeding data from two parallel, open-label, 13-cycle phase 3 trials that enrolled participants 16 to 50 years old with body mass index (BMI) ≤35 kg/m2. Participants reported vaginal bleeding/spotting in daily diaries. For this bleeding analysis, we included participants with at least one evaluable cycle. We calculated mean frequencies of scheduled and unscheduled bleeding/spotting episodes and median duration of bleeding/spotting episodes, and assessed associations between treatment compliance, BMI and recent hormonal contraceptive use on bleeding/spotting outcomes. RESULTS We included 3409 participants with 33,815 cycles. Scheduled bleeding/spotting occurred in 87.2% to 90.4% of participants/cycle, with a median duration of 4 to 5 days. Unscheduled bleeding/spotting decreased from 27.1% in Cycle 1 to 20.6% in Cycle 2 to ≤17.5% from Cycle 5 onwards. Most (66.5%) unscheduled bleeding/spotting episodes were spotting-only. Between 5.8% and 7.8% of users/cycle experienced absence of any scheduled or unscheduled bleeding/spotting. Missing one or more active pills resulted in a higher occurrence of unscheduled bleeding/spotting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.13 [95% confidence interval 1.68-2.70]) and absence of scheduled bleeding/spotting (aOR 2.36 [1.82-3.07]). Participants with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 reported more absence of scheduled bleeding/spotting (aOR 1.68 [1.37-2.05]). Switchers and starters reported similar frequencies of unscheduled bleeding/spotting (aOR 0.94 [0.83-1.07]) and absence of scheduled bleeding/spotting (aOR 1.00 [0.85-1.19]). Three percent of participants discontinued for a bleeding-related adverse event. CONCLUSION E4/DRSP use results in a predictable bleeding pattern with limited unscheduled bleeding/spotting. Noncompliance and BMI affect bleeding patterns. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT Most estetrol/drospirenone users experience a predictable and regular bleeding pattern. Providers can educate patients about the expected bleeding patterns and should advise users that they may infrequently experience no scheduled bleeding/spotting. This information may improve user acceptability and continuation of this new oral contraceptive.
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Gemzell-Danielsson K, Cagnacci A, Chabbert-Buffet N, Douxfils J, Foidart JM, Kubba A, Lasa LIL, Mansour D, Neulen J, Neves J, Palma F, Römer T, Ski RS, Tóth V. A novel estetrol-containing combined oral contraceptive: European expert panel review. CESKA GYNEKOLOGIE 2022; 87:440-452. [PMID: 36543594 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2093850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Al Khalifah RA, Florez ID, Zoratti MJ, Dennis B, Thabane L, Bassilious E. Efficacy of Treatments for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management in Adolescents. J Endocr Soc 2020; 5:bvaa155. [PMID: 33324861 PMCID: PMC7724745 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited evidence on treatment options for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has led to considerable variation in health care practices. We aimed to compare the effects of metformin and/or oral contraceptive pills (OCP) in combination with pioglitazone, spironolactone, flutamide, and lifestyle interventions among adolescents aged 11 to 19 years with PCOS. Literature searches were performed in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception through December 2018, with no language restriction. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, assessed full text eligibility, and extracted information from eligible trials. Evidence was synthesized through network meta-analyses (NMA) using a Bayesian random-effects approach. We identified 37 randomized controlled trials, in which 2400 patients were randomized. NMA showed no statistically important difference among all interventions to improve menstrual regulation or body mass index. Moderate-quality evidence showed hirsutism scores were reduced by multiple interventions that included single and combination medications namely; lifestyle intervention, metformin, OCP, spironolactone, pioglitazone, metformin-OCP, metformin-spironolactone, and metformin-flutamide against placebo. Moderate-quality evidence showed OCP results in more dysglycemia compared to metformin (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% credible interval, 1.02-8.96), no intervention resulted in dysglycemia reduction. In conclusion, metformin and OCP as monotherapy or in combination with other interventions compared with placebo can reduce hirsutism scores, but none of these medications lead to effective menstrual cycle regulation or weight reduction. However, the use of OCP leads to worse cardiometabolic risk factors. Further research into new treatment options is urgently needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42015016148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Al Khalifah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivan D Florez
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Michael J Zoratti
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brittany Dennis
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ereny Bassilious
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Chiara Del Savio M, De Fata R, Facchinetti F, Grandi G. Drospirenone 4 mg-only pill (DOP) in 24+4 regimen: a new option for oral contraception. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:685-694. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1783247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Del Savio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo De Fata
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grandi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, 41124, Modena, Italy
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Jensen JT, Bitzer J, Nappi RE, Ahlers C, Bannemerschult R, Parke S. Pooled analysis of bleeding profile, efficacy and safety of oral oestradiol valerate/dienogest in women aged 25 and under. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2020; 25:98-105. [PMID: 32162555 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1731734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate differences in key outcomes between younger and older women receiving the oral contraceptive oestradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG).Methods: We conducted a pooled post hoc analysis of primary data from 12 studies of E2V/DNG, stratified by age (≤25 [n = 1309] and >25 [n = 2132] years). Outcomes included safety, efficacy, bleeding profile and hormone-withdrawal-associated symptoms (HWAS). Bleeding and HWAS analyses are also presented for women aged ≤20 years (n = 362). Discontinuations were considered a proxy for patient satisfaction.Results: Results were generally similar for younger and older women. The percentage of women aged ≤25 and >25 years experiencing intracyclic bleeding did not differ between groups (13.4% and 12.8% at cycle 12, respectively), with similar results in women aged ≤20 years (12.7%, cycle 12). Rates of withdrawal bleeding were very similar in women aged ≤25 and >25 years (78.5% and 78.9%, respectively, cycle 12). We also found a similar adjusted Pearl index in the two age groups (0.45 vs 0.57, respectively), similar rates of AEs and HWAS and no difference in discontinuations.Conclusions: Women aged ≤25 and >25 years have a similar experience with an E2V/DNV oral contraceptive, supporting this as an appropriate contraceptive option in younger and older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Johannes Bitzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Section of the Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Lete I, de la Viuda E, Pérez-Campos E, Martínez MÁG, Sanchez-de la Rosa R, Novalbos J, Sánchez-Borrego R. Effect on quality of life of switching to combined oral contraception based on natural estrogen: an observational, multicentre, prospective phase IV study (ZOCAL Study). EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2016; 21:276-84. [PMID: 27220697 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2016.1174206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This observational, multicentre, prospective phase IV study examined change in health-related quality of life (QOL) from baseline to 6 months in women initiating combined oral contraception (COC) based on natural estrogen. METHODS Eligible women attending a baseline and 6-month gynaecology appointment belonged to one of three groups: group 1 used barrier contraception (condoms) and elected to continue this method; group 2 used condoms and elected to switch to COC based on natural estrogen; group 3 used COC based on ethinylestradiol and elected to switch to COC based on natural estrogen. The Spanish Society of Contraception (SEC)-QOL scale assessed health-related QOL. Secondary outcomes included symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, intermenstrual bleeding, duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding, contraception continuation rate, and tolerability. RESULTS A total of 857 women were enrolled and 785 completed the study. Group 2 (n = 224 completed) had significantly lower SEC-QOL global and dimension scores at baseline and significantly greater increases in SEC-QOL from baseline to 6 months compared with groups 1 (n = 72) and 3 (n = 489). Group 3 reported a similar SEC-QOL score to that of group 1 at baseline but showed significantly greater improvement in SEC-QOL global and psychological scores from baseline to 6 months. Among women receiving COC based on natural estrogen, the contraception continuation rate was 713/780 (91.4%); treatment-related adverse events were reported by 13/780 (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS Improved SEC-QOL after 6 months was found in women who were dissatisfied with their current contraception at baseline and chose to switch to COC based on natural estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Lete
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Araba University Hospital , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain
| | - Esther de la Viuda
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University Hospital of Guadalajara , Guadalajara , Spain
| | - Ezequiel Pérez-Campos
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Hospital General de Requena , Valencia , Spain
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Côté-Leduc M, Roy G. The Pill at 56 and Counting: Still Contracepting After All These Years. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-016-0143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The focus in contraception is shifting from oral contraceptives to more effective methods, such as implants and intrauterine devices. Generics are favored by third-party payors. As a result, potentially exciting developments in branded pills to increase safety or to reduce side effects may have gone unnoticed. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the features of each of the four new oral contraceptives that have been introduced in the United States and/or Europe in the last few years. The motivation for the development of each product is outlined as is its efficacy, safety, tolerability and the noncontraceptive applications that have been explored are described. EXPERT OPINION The hypothesis that using estradiol in place of ethinyl estradiol would reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism is still to be proven. However, the stronger progestogens used in these formulations may offer other tangible benefits for selected women. The new products for extended cycle pill use may have less impact. The flexible regimen can be adopted using any pill, but the approved product does provide convenience to patients. Cost will continue to be the determining factor in the acceptance of these new products, unless substantial health benefits can be conclusively proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita L Nelson
- a Obstetrics and Gynecology , David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Manhattan Beach , CA , USA
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Nappi RE, Serrani M, Jensen JT. Noncontraceptive benefits of the estradiol valerate/dienogest combined oral contraceptive: a review of the literature. Int J Womens Health 2014; 6:711-8. [PMID: 25120376 PMCID: PMC4128844 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s65481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined oral contraceptives formulated to include estradiol (E2) have recently become available for the indication of pregnancy prevention. A combined estradiol valerate and dienogest pill (E2V/DNG), designed to be administered using an estrogen step-down and a progestin step-up regimen over 26 days of active treatment followed by 2 days of placebo (26/2-day regimen), has also undergone research to assess the potential for additional noncontraceptive benefits. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that E2V/DNG is an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding - a reduction in median menstrual blood loss approaching 90% occurs after 6 months of treatment. To date, E2V/DNG is the only oral contraceptive approved for this indication. Comparator studies have also demonstrated a reduction in hormone withdrawal-associated symptoms in users of E2V/DNG compared with a conventional 21/7-day regimen of ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel. Other potential noncontraceptive benefits associated with E2V/DNG, like improvement in dysmenorrhea, sexual function, and quality of life, are comparable with those associated with other combined oral contraceptives and are discussed further in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Serrani
- Global Medical Affairs Women’s Healthcare, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Gerlinger C, Trussell J, Mellinger U, Merz M, Marr J, Bannemerschult R, Schellschmidt I, Endrikat J. Different Pearl Indices in studies of hormonal contraceptives in the United States: impact of study population. Contraception 2014; 90:142-6. [PMID: 24813941 PMCID: PMC4096582 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of subject characteristics on efficacy as measured by the Pearl Index (PI) in clinical trials and to make study populations similar by matching. METHODS Our analysis used US data from four large Phase III studies. We compared results from one fertility control patch study with pooled data from three studies with virtually identical design on oral hormonal contraceptives. First, we identified three characteristics that had the most impact on the PI. Second, we used these three variables and matched subjects from the patch study with those from the oral contraceptive (OC) studies. Finally, we calculated the PIs for matched and unmatched subjects from both the patch study and the OC studies. RESULTS A total of 3706 subjects were included in our analysis. The variables 'Hispanic ethnicity', 'previous pregnancy' and 'previous use of hormonal contraceptives' had the most impact on the PI. The PIs for the matched patch cohort and the matched OC cohort were 2.97 and 2.48, respectively. Those for the unmatched patch cohort and the unmatched OC cohort were 10.17 and 0.90, respectively. CONCLUSION Subject characteristics strongly influence the PI in clinical studies of hormonal contraceptives. In particular, Hispanic ethnicity, previous pregnancies and no previous use of hormonal contraceptives result in a higher PI. IMPLICATIONS PIs from different clinical trials cannot be meaningfully compared unless subject characteristics that have most impact on the PI are similar or are made to be similar statistically as we did here by matching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gerlinger
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical School of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - James Trussell
- Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; The Hull York Medical School, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Uwe Mellinger
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Merz
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Marr
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jan Endrikat
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical School of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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