ADDED BENEFITS AND USER SATISFACTION WITH A LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE CONTAINING DROSPIRENONE: RESULTS OF THREE MULTICENTRE TRIALS

Abstract: The ethinylestradiol 20 mu g/drospirenone 3 mg combined oral contraceptive (COC), administered in cycles of 21 days continuous use followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval (21/7) [Yasminelle (R)], has been proven to be an effective and well tolerated contraceptive with an acceptable bleeding pattern and good safety profile. In addition, the ethinylestradiol 20 mu g/drospirenone 3 mg 21/7 COC prevents water-retention-related weight gain, and improves physical and emotional well-being, consistent with other drospirenone-containing COCs. In clinical studies, > 85% of those who received the ethinylestradiol 20 mu g/drospirenone 3 mg 21/7 COC were satisfied or very satisfied with this contraceptive. The positive attributes of the ethinylestradiol 20 mu g/drospirenone 3 mg 21/7 COC beyond contraceptive protection may have important implications for improving treatment compliance and reducing treatment discontinuation. Physical well-being stayed the same or improved during use of this COC in 56% and 34% of women, respectively. Emotional well-being stayed the same or improved in 71% and 20% of women, respectively.