A randomized double blind study of two oral contraceptives

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Contraception
• Public Health

Background:

• Oral contraceptives are crucial for family planning programs.
• Assessing the comparative acceptability of different oral contraceptive brands is essential for program effectiveness.
• Publicly-assisted programs require cost-effective and well-tolerated contraceptive options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the comparative acceptability of two oral contraceptive brands, Ovral and Norinyl.
• To determine if differences in side effects or continuation rates exist between Ovral and Norinyl.
• To inform decisions regarding oral contraceptive selection in publicly-assisted family planning programs.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind study involving 1,200 women in Costa Rica and Trinidad.
• Random assignment of either Ovral or Norinyl to participants.
• Monitoring and recording of common side effects and continuation rates.

Main Results:

• Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and headaches were reported for both Norinyl and Ovral.
• Side effect rates varied more by country than by the oral contraceptive brand used.
• Ovral use in Costa Rica was linked to increased skin issues (chloasma).
• Intermenstrual bleeding and spotting were more frequent with Norinyl in both locations, impacting continuation rates in Costa Rica.

Conclusions:

• Generally, Ovral and Norinyl demonstrate comparable acceptability for family planning programs.
• Country-specific factors significantly influence the occurrence of side effects and continuation rates.
• Minor differences in side effect profiles (e.g., skin issues with Ovral, bleeding with Norinyl) exist but do not appear to broadly impact program use.