Gestodene: a review of its pharmacology, potency and tolerability in combined contraceptive preparations

Frank Z Stanczyk; David F Archer

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2013.12.003

Gestodene: a review of its pharmacology, potency and tolerability in combined contraceptive preparations

Contraception. 2014 Apr;89(4):242-52. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2013.12.003. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Authors

Frank Z Stanczyk¹, David F Archer²

Affiliations

¹ University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: fstanczyk@socal.rr.com.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.

PMID: 24485094
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2013.12.003

Abstract

Combined progestin-estrogen pills are an established and reliable contraceptive option used by women worldwide. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing the progestins--gestodene, desogestrel or norgestimate--were developed to minimize androgenic side effects and are considered an effective, well-tolerated contraceptive option. Gestodene achieves contraceptive efficacy with the lowest dose of any progestin in a COC, and has an established and favorable short- and long-term tolerability profile. In this review we present an overview of the pharmacology, potency and tolerability of gestodene.

Keywords: Combined oral contraceptives; Ethinyl estradiol; Gestodene; Pharmacology; Review.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
Drug Interactions
Female
Humans
Menstrual Cycle / drug effects
Norpregnenes / adverse effects
Norpregnenes / pharmacology*
Progestins / adverse effects
Progestins / pharmacology*

Substances

Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
Norpregnenes
Progestins
Gestodene