english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2016 > In the January issue of Prescrire International: gestodene + ethinylestradiol (Apleek°). No place for a patch containing a third-generation progestin

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

FREE DOWNLOAD Delivering the gestodene and ethinylestradiol combination via fancy transparent patches in no way avoids exposing women to the higher thrombotic risk associated with third-generation progestin contraceptives.
Full text available for free download.

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.

 ©Prescrire 1 January 2016

"Gestodene + ethinylestradiol (Apleek°)" Prescrire Int 2016; 25 (167): p. 10 (Pdf, free)
Download the full review
Pdf, free

See also:

Oral contraceptives:
a good scare
Prescrire Int 2015;
24 (163): 200
Pdf, free

Contraception:
second-generation pill
rather than the contraceptive
patch or vaginal ring
(Novembre 2012)
Free