Clinical Trial: An Open-Label Study to Compare the Bleeding Profile of Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol in an Extended Regimen to Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol Given in a Traditional Regimen

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: A Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter Study Comparing the Bleeding Profile of Ortho Evra (Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol) Continuous Regimen vs. Ortho Evra Cyclic Regimen

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to compare the bleeding profile of norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol given in an extended continuous regimen to norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol given in a traditional cyclic regimen

Detailed Summary: Norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol is a contraceptive patch shown to be safe and effective for the prevention of pregnancy. The usual treatment regimen is three consecutive seven-day patches followed by one patch-free week. This cyclic method is followed in order to mimic the 28-day menstrual cycle. An extended contraceptive regimen (administration of active hormones for greater than 21 days) of oral contraceptives is a common practice among women wishing to delay or prevent withdrawal bleeding for reasons such as athletic participation or going on vacation. In addition to the convenience of reducing the frequency of withdrawal bleeds, elimination of the hormone-free interval reportedly reduces many menstrually-related symptoms (headaches, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, bloating, swelling) that occur at a greater frequency during the hormone-free interval than during the rest of the cycle. Headache is one of the most common adverse effects associated with hormonal contraceptive use. Studies have demonstrated that headaches were reduced in subjects using extended intervals of active hormone. However, one of the main side effects reported with extended regimens is breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting. Compared to cyclic regimens, extended oral contraceptive use may be associated with an increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and spotting, especially during the first few months of use. This is a randomized (patients are assigned different treatments based on chance), open-label, multicenter study comparing the bleeding profile of norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol patch continuous regimen to norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol patch cyclic regimen. Safety evaluations include adverse event reporting, physical examinations, blood levels, and vital signs. The hypothesis of the study is that norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol in an extended regimen of 84 days of active hormone would result in fewer days and episodes of bleeding compared to a traditional cyclic regimen of no
Sponsor: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc.

Current Primary Outcome: The primary efficacy variables are the total number bleeding and/or spotting days during the 84-day reference period and the number of bleeding and/or spotting episodes during the 84-day reference period.

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Secondary efficacy variables include the number of breakthrough bleeding and/or spotting days per 28-day interval, the number of breakthrough bleeding days per 28-day interval, time to first bleeding and/or spotting, duration of menses.

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc.

Dates:
Date Received: April 28, 2006
Date Started:
Date Completion:
Last Updated: June 30, 2011
Last Verified: June 2011