Spotlight

In the January issue of Prescrire International: gestodene + ethinylestradiol (Apleek°). No place for a patch containing a third-generation progestin

Summary

Gestodene is a "third-generation" progestin that exposes women to a higher risk of thrombosis than a progestin such as levonorgestrel. Yet it has no clinical advantages.
Instead of disappearing from the market, gestodene has emerged in a new "modernised" form (Apleek°).
In practice, this new transdermal device containing a third-generation progestin has an unfavourable harm-benefit balance. It is better to choose another contraceptive method.

Full text available for free download.