Title: The probability of side effects with Ovral, Norinyl 1/50 and Norlestrin 1.

POPLINE Document Number: 796879

Author(s):

Berger GS
Edelman DA
Talwar PP

Source citation:

CONTRACEPTION, 1979 Nov;20(5):447-53.

Abstract:

Prevalence rates of various side effects were studied comparatively among 3 oral contraceptive preparations containing 50 mcg of the estrogen component. Norinyl 1/50, Ovral, and Norlestrin 1 were each randomly assigned to groups of 160 healthy women who had consented to participate in the study designed to quantitate probabilities of experiencing specific side effects and of their continuing into the subsequent cycles. Acne, breast discomfort, nausea, abdominal bloating, headache, fatigue, depression, irritability, vaginal discharge, and breakthrough bleeding were the specific side effects studied; only breakthrough bleedings showed a statistical difference in prevalence. The rate of breakthrough bleeding associated with Ovral use in the 1st 3 cycles (16.6%) was significantly (P < .05) lower than that associated with using either Norinyl or Norlestrin (46% and 51.7%, respectively). Norelestrin, aside from breakthrough bleeding, was reported as generally freer of side effects than the other 2 preparations. The probabilities of side effects being experienced in the 2nd or 3rd cycle after the effect(s) was experienced in the 1st cycle showed that overall, for all 3 combination pills, the probabilities significantly decreased from the 2nd to the 3rd cycle (P < .05). Also examined was the probability that a side effect would occur in the 2nd or 3rd cycle if the user had not experienced such an effect in the 1st cycle. In each instance, the probabilities are significantly lower (P < .05) than the corresponding probabilities where the symptom had been experienced in a previous cycle. These data support the contention that side effects experienced on inititation of oral contraceptives should not prohibit its continuation because the majority of symptoms will disappear as the patient becomes accustomed to the hormonal preparation.

Keywords:

Comparative Studies
Prevalence
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Norethynodrel
Mestranol
Norethindrone Acetate
Ethinyl Estradiol
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Metrorrhagia
Oral Contraceptives, Combined
Side Effects
Studies
Research Methodology
Measurement
Contraceptive Agents
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen
Norethindrone
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Bleeding
Signs and Symptoms
Diseases
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Methods
Treatment