E-drug: Norgestrel and combined contraceptive pills
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Dear E-drug subscribers,
I have some questions on oral contraceptive pills containing norgestrel.
Combined oral contraceptives with only d-norgestrel as the progestogen
component were introduced more than 25 years ago, but n earlier
preparation with both l- and d-norgestrel (a "racemic mixture" (?)), is
still available on the market. We know that l-norgestrel has no biological
activity. But is it harmful? Is any supplementary activity needed to
eliminate this substance after ingestion? And if the answer is yes, why
should there be a non-active substance in contraceptive pills? Is there
perhaps a -huge- price difference between the d-norgestrel only pill
and the mixed norgestrel containing pill?
Marcel Reyners, OB/GYN,
Technical Adviser FP
BP 447
ANTANANARIVO 101
MADAGASCAR
e-mail: reynersm@dts.mg
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