High levels of women's satisfaction and compliance with transdermal contraception: results from a European multinational, 6-month study

Non-daily contraception: Reinforcing the choice of users and addressing unmet needs of reproductive health

Despite great societal efforts promoting female autonomy, Sweden still faces unmet contraceptive needs, with abortion rates being the highest in the Nordic countries. In this commentary, we discuss using non-daily contraception options to combat these unmet needs. Non-daily methods include transdermal (i.e., patch), ring, injectables, and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Numerous studies have revealed that users prefer non-daily methods, and studies implementing structured counseling have revealed an increase in non-daily methods. Relative to LARC, the patch and the ring are non-daily parenteral methods that offer the possibility for self-management. Ultimately, client-centered counseling and shared decision-making are crucial for increasing awareness of all methods and enhancing method utilization and adherence. Finally, dispelling myths surrounding reversible hormonal contraception is essential for empowering women to make informed choices and improving overall reproductive health outcomes.

Extended regimen of a levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol transdermal delivery system: Predicted serum hormone levels using a population pharmacokinetic model

OBJECTIVE

This study employed population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models to predict levonorgestrel (LNG) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) exposure after dosing with the transdermal contraceptive TWIRLA® (LNG/EE TDS) as a 12-week extended regimen in a healthy female population.

METHODS

PopPK models were developed using data from a previously published phase 1, open-label, randomized clinical trial, ATI-CL14 (NCT01243580), in 36 healthy individuals. Models used cycle 2 data from 18 individuals who received the LNG/EE TDS, delivering LNG 120 μg/day and EE 30 μg/day, followed by a 1-week TDS-free period. Noncompartmental PK analyses were performed on simulated concentration-time profiles of 12 consecutive weeks of LNG/EE TDS use.

RESULTS

The simulated concentration-time profiles and PK parameters for the simulated extended regimen indicated that predicted LNG and EE exposures at week 12 were similar to week 3 (predicted geometric mean EE area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to 168 h [AUC0-168] on week 3 was 0.2% lower than week 12 and LNG AUC0-168 on week 3 was 0.9% lower than week 12), suggesting both were at steady state by week 3. Therefore, no notable accumulation beyond that at week 3 is predicted for LNG and EE following a 12-week extended regimen. The results are supported by the accumulation ratios based on maximum concentration and the area under the curve being similar at weeks 3 and 12 for LNG and EE.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that a 12-week extended LNG/EE regimen would provide similar systemic hormonal exposure as that seen by week 3 in a standard 28-day regimen, without further hormonal accumulation. The data support the safe use of a non-daily, low-dose hormonal contraceptive in an extended regimen but should be confirmed in a clinical PK study.

Women's preferences and acceptance for different drug delivery routes and products

To use or not to use, that is the first decision to take regarding a drug product. This mandatory step for adherence dictates product efficacy. The determinants for such decision do not only rely on the priority of the therapeutic or preventive strategy, but are related to a complex network of perceptions, preferences, personal and cultural backgrounds, and results from previous experiences. Women's preferences for dosage forms and even for drug delivery routes have been mainly studied in the fields of contraception and HIV prevention (and their related multipurpose approaches). Much less attention has been devoted to other therapeutic or preventive strategies. In a time when patient-centred approaches and shared decisions are increasingly valued, considering women's preferences and their main determinants is essential for product development and selection. Such products will be more likely to be chosen and used as intended, increasing efficacy, and reducing the overall costs related with these treatments. This knowledge shall be integrated in early stages of product development. This article reviews the state of the art related with women's preferences and acceptance for different dosage forms and drug delivery routes involved in women's health. The methodologies used for collecting these data and their major drawbacks are discussed. Results obtained from acceptability studies and the main determinants for selection of preventive and treatment drug products are discussed as tools for new developments in the field.

Conjoint analysis to understand preferences of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Ukraine

This article describes the results of marketing research using conjoint analysis that was conducted to establish the preferences of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Ukraine to further use the results for effective marketing decisions making in the pharmaceutical industry.

It was established that the women`s choice differs significantly depending on their main socioeconomic characteristics: age, income level, and level of education. Priority contraceptives from hormonal, non-hormonal contraceptives, as well as contraceptive medical devices for different age groups of women, was identified. Alfred Marshall’s main economic law was confirmed and the existence of price elasticity according to preferences was established.

The results obtained on women’s preferences for certain types of contraceptives will improve the level of compliance, women’s pharmaceutical safety and promote a balance between women’s needs and the capabilities of the contraception supply system.

Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature

The transdermal patch provides an effective and convenient option for hormonal contraception. The patch currently on the US market contains 150 µg norelgestromin and 35 µg ethinylestradiol (EE). The 20 cm² patch is applied once weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week, for a 21–7 cycle. Typical failure rates are similar to that of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). Transdermal delivery results in less peaks and troughs of estrogen, but a higher total estrogen exposure compared with COCs. Though studies show mixed results, the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) is about twice as high with the patch as with COCs; however, the absolute risk of VTE remains low. The side effect profile is similar to that of COCs, with slightly higher rates of breast tenderness plus a unique adverse effect of application site reactions. Two new patches have been developed, one containing gestodene and EE in Europe and another containing levonorgestrel and EE. Overall, the patch provides an alternative to COCs for women who want autonomy and the benefit of not needing to take a pill daily, with similar efficacy and tolerability.

Self-reported and verified compliance in a phase 3 clinical trial of a novel low-dose contraceptive patch and pill

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy rates in US contraceptive clinical trials are increasing due to decreased treatment compliance. This study compared compliance with a new low-dose levonorgestrel (LNG) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) contraceptive patch (CP, Twirla™) with that of a low-dose combination oral contraceptive (COC) in a demographically diverse population.

STUDY DESIGN

This analysis was part of an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter phase 3 study that randomized healthy sexually active women (17-40years) to 13cycles of LNG/EE CP or 6cycles of COC, then 7cycles of LNG/EE CP. We defined self-reported compliance as cycles that, according to diaries, show 21days of patch wear without missed days or any patch worn >7days or 21days of pill-taking without missed pill days. We verified compliance by detectable plasma presence of LNG and EE at cycles 2, 6, and 13.

RESULTS

Of the intention-to-treat population with diary information (N=1328, mean age 26.4years, 46% minorities, 33% obese), 10.0% of the CP (n=998) versus 21.2% of the COC group (n=330) self-reported noncompliance after 6cycles (p<.001). Laboratory assessments verified 10-14% of participants in both groups as noncompliant. Self-reported perfect use did not vary between obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥30kg/m(2)] versus nonobese (BMI <30kg/m(2)) participants in both groups or when stratified by age, education, or race/ethnicity in the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported compliance was significantly greater in the CP than COC group and did not vary by obesity status. Discrepancies between self-reported and verified compliance question reliability of patient diaries.

IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT

This paper, based on an analysis of a phase 3 trial, shows that compliance was significantly greater with a new weekly transdermal CP than with a once-daily COC in obese as well as nonobese participants. Discrepancies between self-reported compliance and laboratory-verified compliance raise questions regarding the reliability of patient diaries.

Effect of a low-dose contraceptive patch on efficacy, bleeding pattern, and safety: a 1-year, multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled study

This Phase III, uncontrolled, open-label, multicenter study was conducted to investigate the contraceptive efficacy, bleeding pattern, and cycle control of a novel once-a-week contraceptive patch, delivering low-dose ethinyl estradiol (EE) and gestodene (GSD) at the same systemic exposure seen after oral administration of a combined oral contraceptive containing 0.02 mg EE/0.06 mg GSD. Participants were women aged 18 to 35 years, all of whom received the EE/GSD patch for 13 cycles each of 21 treatment days (one patch per week for 3 weeks) followed by a 7-day, patch-free interval. The primary efficacy variable was the occurrence of unintended pregnancies during the study period as assessed by life table analysis and the Pearl Index. Secondary efficacy variables were days with bleeding during four 90-day reference periods and during 1 treatment year, bleeding pattern, and cycle control. The Kaplan-Meier probability of contraceptive protection after 364 treatment days was 98.8% and the adjusted Pearl Index was 0.81. The percentage of participants with intracyclic bleeding/spotting decreased over time, from 11.4% to 6.8% in cycles 1 and 12, respectively. Almost all participants (range: 90.8%-97.6%) experienced withdrawal bleeding across the study period. Compliance was very high (mean: 97.9%; median: 100%). The most frequent adverse events were headache (9.5%) and application site reaction (8.5%); no clinically significant safety concerns were observed. Results suggest the EE/GSD patch is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. Menstrual bleeding pattern was favorable and within the ranges expected of a healthy female population. The patch was well tolerated and treatment compliance was high.

Transdermal therapy for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with the methylphenidate patch (MTS)

Transdermal technology is currently approved in the US for the administration of more than 20 medications. This current review describes the clinical research pertaining to the use of a methylphenidate patch in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. PubMed searches were conducted using the search term 'methylphenidate transdermal system', and were limited to clinical trials. No limits were set for dates of publication. A total of 21 citations were identified. Studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of the methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) in children and adolescents were included in this review. Additional studies were identified from bibliographies and the 'Related Citations' section of PubMed searches. The MTS delivers a range of methylphenidate doses using a drug-in-adhesive matrix patch. According to current labeling, the patch should be applied to the hip once daily for a maximum of 9 h. Serum methylphenidate levels increase over wear time, with mean time to maximum concentration (t max) reached between 8 and 10 h for a 9-h wear time, and the elimination half-life for methylphenidate is 3-4 h after patch removal. In clinical trials, ADHD symptoms were measured using the ADHD Rating Scale, Version IV, and several parent-, teacher-, and patient-rated scales. Treatment effects show statistically significant differences from baseline symptom scores starting at the first evaluation, 2 h after the patch is applied, with significant benefit lasting up to 12 h with a 9-h wear time. Adverse events with the MTS are similar to those seen with other formulations of methylphenidate, with the exception of skin-related reactions at the site of application, which were generally mild to moderate in severity. The incidence of contact allergic dermatitis with MTS is <1%. Statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life and medication satisfaction were also observed with the MTS compared with placebo, and after switching from oral extended-release (ER) methylphenidate. Transdermal drug delivery is an effective and safe means of administering methylphenidate for patients with ADHD.

Evaluation of factors associated with noncompliance in users of combined hormonal contraceptive methods: a cross-sectional study: results from the MIA study

Background

Understanding contraception from the perspective of the user may help to improve compliance. The aim of this project was to determine the factors that influence the noncompliance in young women that use combined hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch or vaginal ring).

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional multicenter epidemiology study. Physicians [obstetricians/gynecologists]) recorded socio-demographic, clinical and current contraception data of 8,762 women. Women completed a self-administered questionnaire on compliance. After the assessment of self-administrated questionnaire, the physicians reported on their recommendations on the possibility of changing the contraceptive.

Results

Fifty-two percent of women were noncompliant, mainly because of simple forgetfulness (pill, 74.9%; patch, 47.8%; vaginal ring, 69.1%). The percentage of noncompliant women was lower in vaginal ring users (26.6%) than in patch users (42.4%) or pill users (65.1%) (p < 0.0001). The most common course of action after noncompliance was to take/use the contraceptive as soon as possible. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the use of the pill increased the probability of noncompliance compared with the patch and the vaginal ring (odds ratio [IC95%]: 2.53 (2.13-3.02) and 4.17 (3.68-4.73, respectively), and using the patch compared with the vaginal ring (1.65 (1.36-1.99)). Others factors associated with noncompliance were: high treatment duration, low degree of information on the contraceptive method, understanding of instructions on the contraceptive method, indifference to becoming pregnant, lack of partner support, not participation in selecting the method, not having a routine for taking treatment and difficulties remembering use the contraceptive method. Switching contraceptive method was proposed by the physicians to 43.2% of women (51.8% of pill users, 58.2% of patch users and 19.4% of vaginal ring users).

Conclusions

More than 50% of combined hormonal contraceptive users did not comply with the treatment regimen. The percentage of noncompliant women was lower between vaginal ring users. Understanding user’s reasons for noncompliance by the clinician and encouraging a collaborative approach can go a long way to improving compliance.