New Developments

How They Work; Pros and Cons

Now available in Canada

Linessa   
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A new triphasic oral contraceptive pill containing 25µg of ethinyl estradiol each day combined with desogestrel (100µg daily in week 1, 125µg in week 2, and 150µg in week 3) for a lower total hormone dose.

Advantages:    Highly effective.
Minimizing the estrogen dose may result in less estrogen-related side effects such as nausea and breast tenderness
 
Disadvantages:    Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
 
Available in Canada since June 2006.  

Tri-Cyclen Lo   
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A new triphasic oral contraceptive pill containing 25µg of ethinyl estradiol each day combined with norgestimate (180µg daily in week 1, 215µg in week 2 and 250µg in week 3) for a lower total hormone dose.

Advantages:    Highly effective.
Minimizing the estrogen dose may result in less estrogen-related side effects such as nausea and breast tenderness.
Less initial breakthrough bleeding compared to a 20µg pill.
 
Disadvantages:    Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
 
Available in Canada since February 2005.

Yasmin   
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A new oral contraceptive pill containing drospirenone (3mg per day), a new progestin, combined with 30µg ethinyl estradiol per day. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid activity (equivalent to 25 mg per day of spironolactone) and antiandrogenic effects.

Advantages:    Highly effective
Some non-contraceptive benefits may include a decreased perception of cyclic weight gain and bloating. Yasmin may also help some physical and emotional PMS symptoms.
Improves acne through its androgen-blocking properties (1/3 as potent as cyproterone acetate (Diane 35®))
 
Disadvantages:    Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Also contraindicated in women with renal or adrenal insufficiency
Similar side effects as with any combined OCP.
 
Available in Canada since January 2005.

Seasonale   
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A new oral contraceptive pill containing ethinyl estradiol and progestin administered daily for 84 days at a time.

Advantages:    Highly effective.
Withdrawal bleeds only 4 times per year.
 
Disadvantages:    Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Similar side effects to be expected as any combined OCP.
 
Available in Canada

Not yet available in Canada

Lunelle   
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A new injectable containing estrogen and progestin. Must be administered once a month in the doctor’s office.

Advantages:    Highly effective.
May avoid the potential decreased bone density associated with Depo-Provera
 
Disadvantages:    Delay of fertility may last 2 months.
Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Requires monthly injection.
 
No longer available in USA; not yet available in Canada.

Mircette   
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A new 20 ug oral contraceptive pill containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. The active ingredient (10 ug ethinyl estradiol) extends into the placebo week with only two pill free days.

Advantages:    Highly effective.
The extension of active ingredient into the placebo week may potentially decrease the incidence of breakthrough bleeding and the failure rate.
Like other 20 ug pills there is less incidence of nausea and breast tenderness.
 
Disadvantages:    Cannot be used in women with any estrogen contraindications.
Similar side effects as any combined OCP.
 
Available in USA