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Kaplan S, Bertoia ML, Lass A, Wang FT, Evans A, Dhanda S, Roy D, Seeger JD. Delayed pregnancy detection and return to fertility with extended levonorgestrel-containing oral contraceptives: A real world setting cohort study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2023; 32:78-83. [PMID: 35713281 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5497] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE As part of the European risk management plan of a 91-day extended levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptive (COCLNG ), a study was performed to assess its safety. This analysis was conducted to examine delayed pregnancy detection and return to fertility with extended combined oral contraceptives (COC). METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in new users of 91-day COCLNG or 28-day COCLNG within a US-based healthcare claims database from 2006 to 2017. Delayed pregnancy detection during current COCLNG exposure was defined as the time between estimated pregnancy start and first prenatal care encounter. Additionally, the time between estimated pregnancy start and COCLNG discontinuation was measured. To measure return to fertility, pregnancy rates were estimated among females who discontinued treatment. 91-day COCLNG users were propensity score-matched to 28-day COCLNG users. Hazard ratio for pregnancy was calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS The 91-day and 28-day COCLNG users had 25 593 and 76 586 treatment episodes, respectively. The median time to pregnancy detection was 64.5 and 61.0 days (p = 0.24) in users of 91-day COCLNG and 28-day COCLNG . The median exposure time to treatment after estimated pregnancy start was 54.0 and 38.0 days (p < 0.01). In the fertility analysis, pregnancy rates were 54.82 (95% CI, 50.05-59.93) and 69.30 (95% CI, 64.98-73.82) per 1000 person-years in extended COCLNG discontinuers and 28-day COCLNG discontinuers. The adjusted hazard ratio of pregnancy was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.69-0.85). CONCLUSIONS Small differences were observed for pregnancy rates and delayed pregnancy detection between 91-day extended COCLNG and 28-day COCLNG , which may be related to the longer days' supply of extended COCLNG . Differences in the fertility analysis may be related to unmeasured residual confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Kaplan
- Epidemiology, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Netanya, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Alison Evans
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sandeep Dhanda
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Debabrata Roy
- Drug Safety Research Unit, Southampton, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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FSRH Guideline (January 2019) Combined Hormonal Contraception (Revision due by January 2024). BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 45:1-93. [PMID: 30665985 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2018-chc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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Harrison D, Buskmiller C, Chireau M, Ruppersberger LA, Yeung PP. Systematic Review of Ovarian Activity and Potential for Embryo Formation and Loss during the Use of Hormonal Contraception. LINACRE QUARTERLY 2018; 85:453-469. [PMID: 32431378 DOI: 10.1177/0024363918815611] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to determine whether there is evidence that ovulation can occur in women using hormonal contraceptives and whether these drugs might inhibit implantation. We performed a systematic review of the published English-language literature from 1990 to the present which included studies on the hormonal milieu following egg release in women using any hormonal contraceptive method. High circulating estrogens and progestins in the follicular phase appear to induce dysfunctional ovulation, where follicular rupture occurs but is followed by low or absent corpus luteum production of progesterone. Hoogland scoring of ovulatory activity may inadvertently obscure the reality of ovum release by limiting the term "ovulation" to those instances where follicular rupture is followed by production of a threshold level of luteal progesterone, sufficient to sustain fertilization, implantation, and the end point of a positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin. However, follicular ruptures and egg release with subsequent low progesterone output have been documented in women using hormonal contraception. In the absence of specific ovulation and fertilization markers, follicular rupture should be considered the best marker for egg release and potential fertilization. Women using hormonal contraceptives may produce more eggs than previously described by established criteria; moreover, suboptimal luteal progesterone production may be more likely than previously acknowledged, which may contribute to embryo loss. This information should be included in informed consent for women who are considering the use of hormonal contraception. Summary For this study, the authors looked at English-language research articles that focused on how hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill, may affect very early human embryos. The authors found that abnormal ovulation, or release of an egg followed by abnormal hormone levels, may often occur in women using hormonal birth control. This may increase the number of very early human embryos who are lost before a pregnancy test becomes positive. For women who are thinking about using hormonal birth control, this is important information to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Harrison
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Eau Claire, MI, USA
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Shah D, Patil M. Consensus Statement on the Use of Oral Contraceptive Pills in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women in India. J Hum Reprod Sci 2018; 11:96-118. [PMID: 30158805 PMCID: PMC6094524 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_72_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To provide consensus recommendations for health-care providers on the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women in India. Participants: Extensive deliberations, discussions, and brainstorming were done with different fraternities (specialists) being involved. These included endocrinologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, dermatologists, public health experts, researchers, and a project manager with a team to develop the guideline. Evidence: Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline and The Cochrane Database from January 2003 to December 2017 using appropriate-controlled vocabulary (e.g., oral contraceptive pills, polycystic ovarian syndrome, long term outcomes, infertility). Clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies' publications and data were also reviewed to suggest the recommendations.
Process: The working group for guideline committee included members from the PCOS Society (India), Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, The Mumbai Obstetric and Gynecological Society, The Endocrine Society of India, Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists, Cosmetic Dermatology Society (India), Academicians from Medical Colleges, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, and a Research Associate. The core team included five reproductive endocrinologists, five gynecologists, five dermatologists, three endocrinologists, two public health experts and one research associate.
Conclusions: This consensus statement provides the guidance/recommendations for Indian practitioners regarding the use of OCP in women with PCOS. PCOS is one of the common endocrinopathies encountered in gynecological/endocrine practice. The spectrum of this disorder may range from prepubertal girls with premature pubarche, young girls with hirsutism, acne and anovulatory cycles, married women with infertility, and elderly women. Although obesity is a common feature for most PCOS patients, 'lean PCOS' also exists. For several years, OCPs have played an important role in the symptom management of PCOS women. This is due to the fact that OCPs decrease the luteinizing hormone, reduce androgen production, and increase sex hormone-binding globulin, which binds androgens. Several new formulations of OCPs have been developed to decrease the side effects. This includes use of less androgenic progestins and lower doses of ethinyl estradiol. These consensus recommendations help the health provider to choose the right type of OCPs, which will alleviate the symptoms with least side effects. It also gives insight into the indications, contraindications, and concerns regarding its short, intermediate and long-term use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duru Shah
- President PCOS Society of India, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Director Gynaecworld the Center for Women's Health and Fertility, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhuri Patil
- Scientific Coordinator, The PCOS Society of India, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Editor, Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Clinical Director and Principal, Dr. Patil's Fertility and Endoscopy Clinic, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Nappi RE, Lobo Abascal P, Hsieh J, Micheletti MC. Cycle control with an extended-regimen oral contraceptive combining levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol that includes continuous low-dose ethinyl estradiol instead of the traditional hormone-free interval. Int J Womens Health 2017; 9:739-747. [PMID: 29042818 PMCID: PMC5633331 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s142078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate scheduled and unscheduled bleeding and spotting over 1 year of treatment with 91-day extended-regimen combined oral contraception (COC) providing continuous low-dose ethinyl estradiol (EE) in place of the traditional 7-day hormone-free interval (HFI). PATIENTS AND METHODS This post hoc analysis of a multicenter, open-label, 1-year, Phase 3 study of extended-regimen COC with 30 µg EE/150 µg levonorgestrel (LNG) for 84 days and EE 10 µg for 7 days included 799 sexually active, adult women who completed at least one 91-day cycle of therapy. Subjects recorded bleeding and spotting episodes daily using electronic diaries. Logistic regression analyses are reported as ORs with 95% CIs. RESULTS There was a 10% increase (OR =1.102; 95% CI: 1.006-1.206) in the likelihood of reporting no scheduled bleeding for each additional 91-day cycle completed. From the third 91-day cycle, more than one fifth of women reported no scheduled bleeding (third cycle =23% [121/533]; fourth cycle =22% [97/446]). Among women who reported no scheduled bleeding at Cycle 1 (136/758 [18%]), ≥45% showed sustained lack of scheduled bleeding in later cycles. There were increases of 53% (OR =1.531; 95% CI: 1.393-1.683) and 31% (OR =1.307; 95% CI: 1.205-1.418) in the likelihood of reporting 0 to ≤6 days vs >6 days of unscheduled bleeding and spotting, respectively, for each additional 91-day cycle. By Cycle 2, more than 80% of women reported no unscheduled bleeding or ≤6 days of unscheduled bleeding during each 91-day cycle. CONCLUSION Improved cycle control with decreased bleeding over time was shown during extended-regimen COC with 30 µg EE/150 µg LNG for 84 days and continuous low-dose EE instead of the traditional 7-day HFI. Women considering this regimen should be informed that those who complete at least one 91-day COC cycle will likely experience less bleeding/spotting in future cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paloma Lobo Abascal
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Hsieh
- Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc., Malvern, PA, USA
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Ovarian function during hormonal contraception assessed by endocrine and sonographic markers: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:436-448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rationale for eliminating the hormone-free interval in modern oral contraceptives. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2016; 134:8-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Nappi RE, Kaunitz AM, Bitzer J. Extended regimen combined oral contraception: A review of evolving concepts and acceptance by women and clinicians. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2015; 21:106-15. [PMID: 26572318 PMCID: PMC4841029 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2015.1107894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The clinical utility of extended regimen combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is increasingly being recognised. Our objective was to understand the attitudes of women and clinicians about the use of these regimens. We present the rationale for extended regimen COCs from a historical perspective, and trace their evolution and growing popularity in light of their clinical benefits. We conclude by offering potential strategies for counselling women about extended regimen COC options. Methods: We conducted a MEDLINE search to identify and summarise studies of extended regimen COCs, focusing on attitudes of women and clinicians regarding efficacy, safety/tolerability and fewer scheduled bleeding episodes and other potential benefits. Results: The body of contemporary literature on extended regimen COCs suggests that their contraceptive efficacy is comparable to that of conventional 28-day (i.e., 21/7) regimens. For women seeking contraception that allows infrequent scheduled bleeding episodes, particularly those who suffer from hormone withdrawal symptoms and cyclical symptoms (e.g., headache, mood changes, dysmenorrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding), extended regimen COCs are an effective and safe option. Although satisfaction with extended regimen COCs in clinical trials is high, misperceptions about continuous hormone use may still limit the widespread acceptance of this approach. Conclusions: Despite the widespread acceptance among clinicians of extended regimen COCs as an effective and safe contraceptive option, these regimens are underused, likely due to a lack of awareness about their availability and utility among women. Improved patient education and counselling regarding the safety and benefits of extended regimen COCs may help women make more informed contraceptive choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- a Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Andrew M Kaunitz
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville , Jacksonville , FL , USA
| | - Johannes Bitzer
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Basel University Hospital , Basel , Switzerland
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Abascal PL, Luzar-Stiffler V, Giljanovic S, Howard B, Weiss H, Trussell J. Differences in reporting Pearl Indices in the United States and Europe: Focus on a 91-day extended-regimen combined oral contraceptive with low-dose ethinyl estradiol supplementation. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2015; 21:88-91. [PMID: 26115381 PMCID: PMC5533102 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2015.1059416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory agencies in the United States (US) and Europe differ in requirements for defining pregnancies after the last dose of oral contraceptive, sometimes resulting in discrepant Pearl Indices (PIs) for the same product despite identical clinical data. This brief report highlights one such example, a 91-day extended-regimen combined oral contraceptive (COC). METHODS The US- and European-based PI methodologies were compared for a 91-day extended-regimen COC consisting of 84 days of active levonorgestrel/EE 150 μg/30 μg tablets, followed by seven days of EE 10 μg tablets in place of placebo. CONCLUSIONS At the times of approval of the 91-day extended-regimen COC in the US and Europe, the requirements for defining 'on-treatment' pregnancies differed (14-day vs. 2-day rule, respectively). This difference resulted in a higher PI in the US- vs. European-based calculation (1.34 and 0.76, respectively). The differences in the PI should not be interpreted as the extended-regimen COC being less effective in preventing pregnancy in the US compared with Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Lobo Abascal
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Herman Weiss
- Teva Global Medical Affairs, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - James Trussell
- Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Burness CB. Extended-Cycle Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol and Low-Dose Ethinylestradiol (Seasonique(®)): A Review of Its Use as an Oral Contraceptive. Drugs 2015; 75:1019-26. [PMID: 26017303 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A 91-day extended-cycle oral contraceptive (OC) consisting of levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol 150/30 µg for 84 days and ethinylestradiol 10 µg for 7 days (Seasonique(®)) has recently been approved for the prevention of pregnancy in adult women in the EU. This regimen allows for a reduction in the number of withdrawal bleeding episodes to four per year, compared with 13 episodes per year with conventional 28-day regimens. Seasonique(®) was effective in preventing pregnancy in a large (n = 1006), noncomparative trial of healthy, sexually active women. In this trial, the overall Pearl index (pregnancies per 100 woman-years of use) in women aged 18-35 years (n = 621) was 0.76 and the Pearl index for method-failure (compliant use) was 0.26. Scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding and/or spotting remained fairly constant over time, with a mean of 2 days of bleeding and 1 day of spotting per each 91-day cycle. Unscheduled bleeding and unscheduled spotting was highest during the first few cycles of use and decreased thereafter. Seasonique(®) was generally well tolerated, with a tolerability profile in line with that expected for OCs. Seasonique(®) extends the contraceptive options currently available to women, particularly in those who desire fewer withdrawal bleeding episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste B Burness
- Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand,
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