From the Guidelines
NorQD (Norethindrone) and Cerazette (Desogestrel) are both progestin-only contraceptive pills, but Cerazette is generally considered more effective with a wider window for taking the pill and provides more reliable ovulation suppression. The main difference between the two is the active ingredient, with NorQD containing norethindrone (0.35mg) and Cerazette containing desogestrel (0.075mg) 1. Key characteristics of these medications include:
- Daily administration without breaks
- No estrogen content, making them suitable for women with certain risk factors or those who are breastfeeding
- Potential side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches, mood changes, and breast tenderness
- Contraceptive efficacy, with Cerazette offering slightly better efficacy (about 99% with perfect use) compared to NorQD (about 96-97% with perfect use) 1. In terms of effectiveness, both medications are classified as progestin-only pills, with effectiveness rates similar to those reported in studies, such as the one by Trussell J, which estimates the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods, including progestin-only pills 1. When choosing between NorQD and Cerazette, individual factors such as sensitivity to side effects, importance of timing flexibility, and previous experience with hormonal contraceptives should be considered 1.
From the Research
Comparison of NorQD (Norethindrone) and Cerazette (Desogestrel)
- NorQD contains Norethindrone, which is a second-generation progestin 2
- Cerazette contains Desogestrel, which is a third-generation progestin 3, 4, 5, 6
Efficacy and Safety
- Desogestrel has been shown to have good contraceptive efficacy, with a Pearl index of 0.04 in one study 4
- Norethindrone is also an effective contraceptive, but its efficacy compared to Desogestrel is not directly stated in the provided studies
- Desogestrel may have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism compared to second-generation progestins like Norethindrone 3, 2
Side Effects and Acceptability
- Desogestrel has a low incidence of side effects and complications, similar to other progestogens 5
- A study comparing Desogestrel to Levonorgestrel found that the frequency and pattern of adverse experiences were comparable between the two 6
- Desogestrel may have a role as an anti-androgen in women with hyperandrogenic symptoms in need of adequate oral contraception 5