Comparison of two regimens of a monthly injectable contraceptive containing dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide and estradiol enanthate

IntroductionThis study compared two regimens of a monthly injectable contraceptive containing dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide 150 mg and estradiol enanthate 10 mg (Perlutan®) over 12 cycles of use.MethodsThree hundred sixty-five adolescents were randomized into two groups. The patients in Group 1 received an initial injection of Perlutan® on the 1st–5th day of their menstrual cycle and subsequent injections every 30±3 days, whereas those in Group 2 followed the traditional schedule of administration in which the first injection is administered between Days 7 and 10 of their menstrual cycle and subsequent injections 7–10 days after Day 1 of withdrawal bleeding. This schedule may result in an irregularity in the timing of injections.ResultsNo significant difference was found between the two groups regarding tolerability or pregnancy (two in Group 1 and three in Group 2).ConclusionMonthly administration limits the annual number of injections to a maximum of 12, thus frequently reducing the total annual dose while maintaining efficacy and tolerability similar to those obtained with the traditional regimen.