A continuous regimen of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol for contraception and elimination of menstruation
Jensen, J.T.
Drugs of Today 44(3): 183-195
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1699-3993 PMID: 18536780 Document Number: 208229
Clinicians and patients desiring amenorrhea for therapeutic or social reasons will find continuous-use 90 mu g levonorgestrel/20 mu g ethinyl estradiol to be an attractive oral contraceptive dosing option. Although other formulations of oral contraceptives can be dosed in a continuous manner off -label, the convenience of a 28-day dose pack represents a major advance that will likely increase acceptability of the strategy. The availability of FDA-approved continuous-use 90 mu g levonorgestrel/20 mu g ethinyl estradiol will help mainstream continuous oral contraception in the same way that Preven (TM) and Plan B (R) helped legitimize and mainstream emergency contraception. Patients wishing to use continuous 90 mu g levonorgestrel/20 mu g ethinyl estradiol must recognize and accept that unscheduled breakthrough bleeding is typical during the first four to six cycles of use. Control of cycle-related symptoms may emerge as an off -label indication for use.