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Clinical trial of a long-acting injectable contraceptive: NET-EN
Contraceptive Delivery Systems
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Injectable norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) use resulted in frequent menstrual irregularities, including irregular bleeding and amenorrhea, in most women over one year. Nonmenstrual side effects like weakness and pain were also noted.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormonal contraceptives are widely used for family planning.
- Injectable progestogens offer long-acting contraception.
- Norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) is an injectable progestogen formulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the menstrual cycle patterns and side effects of injectable norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN).
Main Methods:
- 122 women received 200 mg/ml injectable NET-EN every 2 months.
- Treatment duration exceeded 1 year.
- Menstrual cycle regularity and nonmenstrual side effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- Only a minority of women (11%) maintained regular cyclic bleeding.
- Most users experienced menstrual irregularities: 57% had irregular bleeding, and 32% developed amenorrhea.
- Common nonmenstrual side effects included weakness and abdominal pain.
- No significant changes in body weight or blood pressure were observed.
Conclusions:
- Injectable NET-EN is associated with a high incidence of menstrual irregularities.
- While generally safe regarding weight and blood pressure, side effects like weakness and pain warrant consideration.
- Further research may be needed to manage cycle disturbances in women using NET-EN.
Keywords:
AmenorrheaBleedingBlood PressureBody WeightClinical ResearchContraceptionContraception TerminationContraceptive AgentsContraceptive Agents, FemaleContraceptive Agents, Progestin--administraction and dosageContraceptive Agents, Progestin--side effectsContraceptive Agents--administraction and dosageContraceptive Agents--side effectsContraceptive MethodsContraceptive UsageDiseasesFamily PlanningInjectablesMenstruationMenstruation DisordersMethod AcceptabilityNorethindrone Enanthate--administraction and dosageNorethindrone Enanthate--side effectsNorethindrone--administraction and dosageNorethindrone--side effectsPainReproductionReproductive Control AgentsResearch Methodology
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