Transdermal contraception methods: today’s patches and new options on the horizon

Abstract

Introduction: The first contraceptive patch with ethinyl estradiol (EE) and norelgestromin in the United States demonstrated that there was a tremendous interest in topical methods, which could provide patient convenience, steady-state hormonal levels and reassurance of ongoing coverage, while maintaining efficacy and good bleeding patterns. Unfortunately, concerns about increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk diminished its popularity. Another version in Europe and Canada had slightly lower estrogen doses, but questions were raised about its VTE risk too based on its progestin. To fill that gap, two new contraceptive patches with lower estrogen levels have been developed and extensively tested.

Areas covered: This article provides a short overview of the first set of patches followed by discussions of the pharmacokinetics of the two experimental patches as well as the results of their clinical trials, including information about efficacy, bleeding patterns and tolerability.

Expert opinion: Given the recent increased use of first tier contraceptive methods (Intrauterine devices and implants), there may be interest in new patches. Price will influence their popularity. However, a new nondaily delivery system with lower estrogen levels will provide an important option to women.

Keywords:

• contraceptive patches
• gestodene patch
• levonorgestrel patch
• transdermal contraceptive

Declaration of interest

AL Nelson’s research organisation has received a research grant from Agile pharmaceuticals, she has honoraria for advisory board participation and speakers bureaus from Bayer Healthcare and Agile. She is also Co-Principal Investigator for Agile 200-15 clinical trial. She also declares that she has received honoraria for serving as a consultant or for participating in speaker bureaus programs for Actavis, ContraMed, Merck, MicroCHIPS Biotech, Pharma Nest, and Teva. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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