Susanne Parke

Effective treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding with estradiol valerate and dienogest: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the efficacy of a fixed estrogen step-down and progestin step-up 28-day estradiol (E2) valerate and dienogest oral contraceptive regimen in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual bleeding, or heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic pathology. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized women aged 18 years or older with prolonged, frequent, or heavy menstrual bleeding, objectively confirmed during a 90-day run-in phase, to treatment with E2 valerate and dienogest or placebo (2:1) for 196 days. Data from the last 90 days of treatment and the run-in phase were compared. The primary variable was the “complete response” rate (complete resolution of qualifying abnormal menstrual symptoms, including a 50% or greater reduction in pretreatment menstrual blood loss volume in women with heavy menstrual bleeding). Secondary variables included objective changes in menstrual blood loss volume (alkaline hematin methodology) and iron metabolism parameters. Overall, 180 women were needed to provide 90% power. RESULTS: There were no marked differences in the characteristics of E2 valerate and dienogest (n=120) and placebo (n=70) recipients. The proportion of “complete responders” in the evaluable group was significantly higher in E2 valerate and dienogest (35/80; 43.8%) compared with placebo (2/48, 4.2%, P<.001) recipients. The mean [standard deviation] reduction in menstrual blood loss with E2 valerate and dienogest from the run-in phase to the efficacy phase was substantial (−353 mL [309 mL]; mean −64.2%; median −70.6%) and significantly greater than that in placebo recipients (−130 mL [338 mL]; mean −7.8%; median −18.7%; P<.001). Significant improvements in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin were seen with E2 valerate and dienogest, but not with placebo. CONCLUSION: Oral E2 valerate and dienogest was highly effective compared with placebo in the treatment of women with heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual bleeding, or heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic pathology. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00293059. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Metabolic and haemostatic effects of estradiol valerate/dienogest, a novel oral contraceptive: a randomized, open-label, single-centre study.

AbstractBackground and Objective: The hormonal components of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have various metabolic and haemostatic effects. The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic and haemostatic effects of a novel COC comprising estradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG) with ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (EE/LNG). Methods: In a randomized, open-label study conducted in Germany over seven cycles, healthy women aged 18–50 years received E2V/DNG (E2V 3 mg on days 1–2, E2V 2 mg/DNG 2 mg on days 3–7, E2V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg on days 8–24, E2V 1 mg on days 25–26, placebo on days 27–28; n = 30) or EE/LNG (EE 0.03 mg/LNG 0.05 mg on days 1–6, EE 0.04 mg/LNG 0.075 mg on days 7–11, EE 0.03 mg/LNG 0.125 mg on days 12–21, placebo on days 22–28; n = 28). The primary variables were the mean intraindividual relative changes from baseline to cycle 7 in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Changes in other lipid parameters, haemostatic parameters, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), cortisol-binding globulin (CBG), carbohydrate metabolism parameters, blood pressure and body weight were also assessed. Results: Mean ± SD HDL cholesterol increased by 7.9%±21.8% with E2V/DNG and decreased by 2.3%±14.4% with EE/LNG. Mean ± SD LDL cholesterol decreased by 6.5% ±15.9% with E2V/DNG and by 3.0% ±17.4% with EE/LNG. Mean ± SD prothrombin fragment 1+2 and D-dimer levels remained essentially unchanged in the E2V/DNG group (−0.6% ± 30.3% and −2.1% ± 43.5%, respectively), but increased in the EE/LNG group (by 117.3% ± 358.0% and 62.9% ± 99.5%, respectively). Changes in other hepatic-induced arameters (SHBG, CBG) and carbohydrate metabolism were generally less pronounced with E2V/DNG versus EE/LNG. Body weight and blood pressure remained stable throughout the study in both treatment groups. Both formulations were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusion: E2V/DNG had a minimal impact on metabolic and haemostatic parameters, and a more favourable effect than EE/LNG on lipid markers.Trial registration:} ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00185224

Effective treatment of heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic cause: pooled analysis of two multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of oestradiol valerate and dienogest.

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of oestradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG) for the treatment of heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic pathology based on the analysis of data from two identically designed double-blind, randomised studies. Methods Women aged ≥ 18 years with heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding were randomised to E2V/DNG (n = 269) or placebo (n = 152) for 196 days. Objective changes in menstrual blood loss (MBL) volume were assessed using the alkaline haematin method. Results After six months of treatment, median MBL decreased by 88% with E2V/DNG compared with 24% with placebo. The greatest reduction was achieved at the first withdrawal bleed after treatment initiation and it was sustained with no loss of effect throughout treatment. Conclusion E2V/DNG was more effective than placebo in reducing MBL in women with heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic pathology. The reduction was largely achieved as early as the first withdrawal bleed, with further gradual improvement throughout treatment.

Hemostatic effects of a novel estradiol-based oral contraceptive: an open-label, randomized, crossover study of estradiol valerate/dienogest versus ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel.

AbstractBackground: A novel estradiol-based combined oral contraceptive (COC) is currently available in many countries worldwide, including Europe and the US. Based on previous studies, it is expected that this estradiol-based COC will have a reduced hepatic effect compared with COCs containing ethinylestradiol with regard to proteins controlling the hemostatic balance. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the hemostatic effects of the estradiol valerate/dienogest COC with a monophasic low-estrogen dose COC containing ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel. Study Design: Healthy women aged 18–50 years were randomized to receive a COC containing estradiol valerate/dienogest (2 days estradiol valerate 3 mg, 5 days estradiol valerate 2mg/dienogest 2 mg, 17 days estradiol valerate 2mg/dienogest 3 mg, 2 days estradiol valerate 1 mg, 2 days placebo) or ethinylestradiol 0.03mg/levonorgestrel 0.15mg in a crossover study design. Women received each treatment for three cycles, with two washout cycles between treatments. The primary efficacy variables were the intra-individual absolute changes in prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimer from baseline to cycle three. Results: Data from 29 women were assessed. Intra-individual absolute changes in prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimer from baseline to cycle three were less pronounced with estradiol valerate/dienogest than with ethinylestradiol/ levonorgestrel. Conclusion: The novel COC containing estradiol valerate/dienogest had similar or less pronounced effects on hemostatic parameters than ethinylestradiol/ levonorgestrel.

Normalization of blood loss in women with heavy menstrual bleeding treated with an oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate/dienogest

BACKGROUND The study was conducted to assess the efficacy of estradiol valerate/dienogest (E₂V/DNG) administered using an estrogen step-down and progestogen step-up approach in a 28-day regimen in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) using clinical end points allowing E₂V/DNG to be compared with other available medical therapies. STUDY DESIGN This was a pooled analysis of data from two identically designed randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple center studies conducted in Europe, Australia and North America that assessed the effectiveness of E₂V/DNG in reducing menstrual blood loss (MBL) in women with HMB. Women aged ≥ 18 years with objectively confirmed HMB were randomized to E₂V/DNG (n=220) or placebo (n=135) for seven treatment cycles. Outcomes analyzed included absolute reduction in MBL from baseline, proportion of women successfully treated (defined as MBL below 80 mL and ≥ 50% reduction in MBL), proportion with MBL below 80 mL and proportion with ≥ 50% reduction in MBL from baseline. RESULTS At study end, 63.6% and 11.9% of patients were successfully treated with E₂V/DNG and placebo, respectively, with 68.2% and 15.6% of women with MBL below 80 mL, and 70.0% and 17.0% with MBL reduction ≥ 50% (all p<.001). CONCLUSION E₂V/DNG is highly effective for the treatment of HMB and is associated with a high rate of treatment success.

Endometrial safety of an oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate and dienogest

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the endometrial safety of an oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG) administered as an estrogen step-down and progestogen step-up regimen in women of reproductive age (18–50 years), using histological assessment of endometrial biopsy samples. Methods: Endometrial biopsies were taken in a subset of healthy women who took part in a multicenter, open-label, noncomparative study assessing the contraceptive efficacy and safety of an E2V/DNG oral contraceptive. In each 28-day cycle, women received E2V 3 mg on days 1–2, E2V 2 mg/DNG 2 mg on days 3–7, E2V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg on days 8–24, E2V 1 mg on days 25–26, and placebo on days 27–28. Women underwent endometrial biopsy between days 12 and 19 of the cycle, both at screening and at cycle 20 (or at the final examination). Results: Of the 283 women who underwent an endometrial biopsy at screening, 218 underwent a follow-up biopsy at cycle 20. At screening, abnormal biopsy results, both classified as “simple hyperplasia without atypia”, were seen in two women, who were withdrawn from the trial. At cycle 20, there were no abnormal findings of endometrial hyperplasia or malignancy, and 80.9% of women had atrophic, inactive, or secretory endometrium. Conclusion: After 20 cycles of treatment, an oral contraceptive containing E2V and DNG is safe and effective to transform the endometrium into a secretory/inactive or atrophic status, and exhibits no deleterious effects on endometrial histology in women aged 18–50 years.

Hormone withdrawal-associated symptoms: Comparison of oestradiol valerate/dienogest versus ethinylestradiol/norgestimate

Abstract Objectives To determine the effect of oestradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG) versus ethinylestradiol/norgestimate (EE/NGM) on hormone-withdrawal associated symptoms (HWAS) in otherwise healthy women who had experienced at least one of these symptoms when using 21/7-day combined oral contraceptives (COCs). Methods This phase III, parallel-group study randomised 409 women aged 18 to 50 years to E2V/DNG or EE/NGM. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to cycle 6 in the average of the three highest visual analogue scale values for headache and/or pelvic pain during cycle days 22 to 28. Results In total, 395 were included in the full analysis set (E2V/DNG, n = 191; EE/NGM, n = 204). E2V/DNG reduced the symptoms of headache or pelvic pain during cycle days 22 to 28 from baseline to cycle 6 to a significantly greater extent than EE/NGM (mean decrease 43.6 vs. 35.5 mm; p = 0.0024). Both treatments were well tolerated with a similar proportion of women experiencing adverse events that were considered at least possibly related to treatment (35% E2V/DNG vs. 34% EE/NGM). Conclusions E2V/DNG reduces the frequency and intensity of headache and pelvic pain to a greater extent than EE/NGM, and may be a good option for women susceptible to HWAS with conventional 21/7-day COCs.

Evaluation of the effects of rifampicin, ketoconazole and erythromycin on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the components of a novel oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate and dienogest in healthy postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND We evaluated the effects of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) induction and inhibition on steady-state pharmacokinetics of the components of a novel oral contraceptive (OC) containing estradiol valerate (E₂V) and dienogest (DNG). STUDY DESIGN CYP3A4 induction was assessed in an open-label, one-arm study. Sixteen healthy postmenopausal women received E₂V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg (days 1-17) and concomitant rifampicin (600 mg, days 12-16). Ratios of the area under the serum concentration-time curve between 0 and 24 h [AUC(0-24 h)] and maximum serum concentration (C(max)) of E₂ and DNG on days 17 and 11 (after and before rifampicin intervention) are presented. CYP3A4 inhibition was investigated in an open-label, parallel-group study in 24 healthy postmenopausal women receiving E₂V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg (days 1-14) and concomitant ketoconazole (400 mg, n=12) or erythromycin (500 mg three times daily, n=12) on days 8-14. Mean ratios of AUC(0-24 h) and C(max) of E₂ and DNG on days 7 and 14 are presented. RESULTS Concomitant administration of rifampicin decreased systemic drug exposure and yielded geometric mean ratios for E₂C(max) and AUC(0-24 h) of 75% and 56%, respectively. Corresponding mean ratios for DNG were 48% and 17%, respectively. Ketoconazole coadministration increased systemic drug exposure and yielded ratios of E₂ of 165% and 157%, respectively, and ratios of DNG of 194% and 286%, respectively. Erythromycin coadministration also resulted in increased mean C(max) and AUC(0-24 h) of both E₂ and DNG. Geometric mean ratios of C(max) and AUC(0-24 h) for E₂ were 151% and 133%, respectively. Corresponding ratios for DNG were 133% and 162%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Significant drug-drug interactions are apparent when CYP3A4 modulators are coadministered with the components of a novel OC containing E₂V/DNG. Coadministration of CYP3A4 modulators should be avoided where possible, and another type of contraception should be used when coadministration of CYP3A4 inducers like rifampicin is unavoidable.

Pituitary ovarian and additional contraceptive effects of an estradiol-based combined oral contraceptive: results of a randomized open-label study.

BACKGROUND The estrogen step-down/progestogen step-up 28-day estradiol valerate/dienogest (E(2)V/DNG) oral contraceptive effectively inhibits ovulation; however, limited data are available regarding its effects on estradiol (E2), progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or its additional extraovarian contraceptive effects. STUDY DESIGN In this secondary analysis, 100 women received E(2)V 3 mg on days 1-2, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 2 mg on days 3-7, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg on days 8-24, E(2)V 1 mg on days 25-26 and placebo on days 27-28 for one treatment cycle. Measures included the presence/absence of cervical mucus; endometrial thickness; and serum E2, progesterone, and gonadotropin levels. RESULTS E2, progesterone, LH and FSH levels did not exhibit the typical ovulatory increase and remained relatively stable during the cycle. E(2)V/DNG reduced mean maximal endometrial thickness and proportion of women with visible cervical mucus. All parameters returned to pretreatment levels during the posttreatment cycle. CONCLUSION E(2)V/DNG provides extraovarian contraceptive effects (reducing endometrial thickness and cervical mucus production) in addition to inhibiting ovulation, assuring contraceptive efficacy.

Efficacy and bleeding profile of a combined oral contraceptive containing oestradiol valerate/dienogest: a pooled analysis of three studies conducted in North America and Europe.

Abstract Objective To summarise all clinical data on the contraceptive efficacy and bleeding profile associated with an oestradiol valerate (E2V) and dienogest (DNG) [E2V/DNG] combined oral contraceptive (COC) derived from Phase III trials. Methods Pooled analysis of three large-scale multicentre trials conducted in healthy women who received oral E2V/DNG for 7 to 28 cycles (28-day cycles). Results A total of 2266 women were included in this analysis. Overall, 19 pregnancies occurred over 13 cycles during 880,950 days of relevant exposure (Pearl Index [PI] of 0.79; upper limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23). Ten pregnancies attributed to method failure came about during 871,091 days of relevant exposure (adjusted PI of 0.42; upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 0.77). In women aged 18 to 35 years (n = 1687), the corresponding PI and adjusted PI were 1.01 (upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 1.59) and 0.51 (upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 0.97), respectively. In the first 13 cycles of treatment, 76 to 81% of women experienced scheduled withdrawal bleeding, and 13 to 23% experienced intracyclic bleeding. Conclusions E2V/DNG provides reliable contraceptive efficacy in women aged 18 to 50 years.