1 research outputs found
Contraception with estradiol valerate and dienogest: adherence to the method
Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the discontinuation rate of hormonal contraception
with estradiol valerate (E2V) and dienogest (DNG).
Patients and methods: We collected data at the Family Planning Clinics of the
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Pisa and Cagliari. We included in the analysis
354 consecutive women using oral contraceptive pills containing E2V and DNG. We
analyzed the rate and the reason for discontinuation, classifying the reasons in 5 categories:
1) minor side effects, 2) adverse events, 3) other events not directly caused by the drug or
conditions for which the pill could represent a risk factor, 4) no compliance with the method
and 5) no further need.
Results: Of the 354 women examined, 50.8% had discontinued E2V/DNG pill. Excluding
women who stopped the pill because of no further need (10.5%), 27.4% discontinued
because of minor side effects, 1.7% discontinued for adverse events, 9.9% because of
other events not directly caused by the drug or conditions for which the pill could represent
a risk factor and 1.4% because of difficulties with compliance. Irregular bleedings were the
main reasons reported for discontinuation. The time to discontinuation for irregular bleedings
was significantly (p<0.02) longer in adults than in adolescents and slightly but not significantly
longer in women who received information about this possible effect.
Conclusion: Unacceptable cycle control was the principal cause of discontinuation of pill
with E2V and DNG. An appropriate information about this possible effect may improve
adherence to this combined oral contraceptive