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Progestagen-Only Oral Contraceptives: A Preliminary Report of the Action and Clinical Use of Norgestrel and Norethisterone

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Summary

d-Norgestrel2 and norethisterone3 are progestagens derived from 19-nortestosterone. They are used as oral contraceptives when given continuously in small doses (d-norgestrel 0.03 mg [30 μg]; northisterone 0.35 mg [350 μg]).

Results of recent clinical trials of low dosages of norgestrel and norethisterone indicate that their contraceptive efficacy is slightly less than that reported for conventional oestrogen-progestagen combinations but greater than that of intra-uterine contraceptive devices. There is less margin for error of omission and timing of administration with the progestagen-only preparations and they often cause irregular menstrual bleeding. Progestagen-only oral contraceptives should be particularly useful in those women who are unable to tolerate the oestrogen-containing preparations or in whom the use of oestrogen is contra-indicated, or undesirable (e.g. cautious use in certain women with diabetes mellitus).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Drug Information Services, P.O. Box 30-049, Takapuna North, Auckland 9, New Zealand

    R. N. Brogden, T. M. Speight & G. S. Avery

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  1. R. N. Brogden
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  2. T. M. Speight
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  3. G. S. Avery
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See subject index in each issue for further indexing terms.

‘Microlut’ (Schering AG).

‘Micronor’ (Ortho); ‘Noriday’, ‘Nor-QD’ (Syntex).

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Brogden, R.N., Speight, T.M. & Avery, G.S. Progestagen-Only Oral Contraceptives: A Preliminary Report of the Action and Clinical Use of Norgestrel and Norethisterone. Drugs 6, 169–181 (1973). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-197306030-00004

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