Abstract
Background
The efficacy of contraceptives is affected by its route and ease of administration.
Herein, both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the once-a-month combined injectable
contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) plus estradiol cypionate (E2-Cyp) were compared after intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection in women
of reproductive age.
Study Design
Thirty women were randomly assigned to the SC (n=15) or IM (n=15) route of MPA 25 mg+E2-Cyp 5 mg administration. Serum samples were obtained daily for 7 days and then three
times a week for 40 days in order to quantify E2, progesterone and MPA. In addition, three ultrasounds were performed on each subject
to determine follicular development, and a daily record of the bleeding pattern and
side effects was maintained.
Results
A comparative analysis showed that the main pharmacokinetic (peak serum concentration,
peak serum time, area under the serum concentration vs. time curve, absorption half-life
and elimination half-life) and pharmacodynamic parameters, such as follicular development
and ovulation, were similar in the SC vs. IM groups. Complete suppression in ovarian
function was present in all women. The bleeding patterns and side effects were similar
in both groups.
Conclusions
The results presented herein demonstrate that the injection of 25 mg of MPA plus 5
mg of E2-Cyp has similar efficacy and safety with either the SC or IM route of administration.
The SC option can be considered a viable self-administered contraceptive option that
might increase women's compliance to contraceptive use.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 12, 2011
Accepted:
March 18,
2011
Received in revised form:
March 18,
2011
Received:
August 10,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
