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

Introduction: This 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.

Methods: Three 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.

Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding tolerability or pregnancy (two in Group 1 and three in Group 2).

Conclusion: Monthly 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.