Oral Versus Patch Hormonal Contraceptive Effects on Metabolism, Clotting, Inflammatory Factors and Vascular Reactivity

The first 21 tablets contain 35 micrograms ethinyl-estradiol and 250 micrograms norgestimate per tablet. The last 7 tablets contain no hormones. Ortho Cyclen (R) is taken for 1-2 months during the screening phase and for 2 months during the treatment phase of the study.

Ortho-Evra® contains 0.75 mg ethinyl estradiol and 6 mg norelgestromin in each 20 cm square patch. The dosing schedule is to apply one patch each week for 3 weeks and no patch the 4th week. Ortho Evra (R) is taken for 2 months during the treatment phase of the study.

The extended use regimen of Ortho Evra (R) contains 0.75 mg ethinyl estradiol and 6 mg norelgestromin in each 20 cm square patch. The dosing schedule for Ortho-Evra (R) is to apply one patch each week for 7 weeks and no patch the 8th week. Extended use Ortho Evra (R) is taken for 2 months during the treatment phase of the study.