Drospirenone vs Norethindrone: The Battle of the Progestins
Are you confused between the many options of Progesterone-only pills?
Progesterone-only pills (POPs) are the most commonly and effectively used contraceptive medicine worldwide.
According to World Health Organisation, POPs prevent pregnancies in 91%-93% of cases.
Drospirenone and Norethindrone are the two commonly prescribed birth control pills.
Here, the article presents a detailed discussion of Drospirenone vs Norethindrone.
It will help you decide which birth control tablet to use to avoid pregnancy.
Overview
A glance at the below table will help you summarize the difference between Norethindrone and Drospirenone before we dive deep into the comparison.
| Factors | Norethindrone | Drospirenone |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Noriday, Regestrone | Slynd |
| Dosage | 0.35 mg pills (28-day hormone pill per pack) | 4 mg pills(24 hormone pills and 4 inactive pills per pack) |
| Effectiveness for Birth control | 50% | 95% |
| Androgenicity | Androgenic | Anti-androgenic |
| Half-life | 10 hours | 30 hours |
| Missed dose | Backup contraception recommended for 48 hours if dose is >3 hours late | Backup contraception recommended for 7 days if ?2 hormone pills are missed |
| FDA approval | 1999 | 2018 |
| Hyperkalemia | No risk of Hyperkalemia | Can cause Hyperkalemia |
| Side effects | Nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, irregular periods or vaginal bleeding between periods | Breakthrough bleeding, headache, breast pain, weight gain, low libido |
| Cost | Low average wholesale price | High average wholesale price |
Drospirenone and Norethindrone – An introduction
Norethindrone and Drospirenone are commonly available progestin-only tablets.
They are man-made forms of Progesterone that work differently to prevent pregnancy ultimately.
Both tablets prevent pregnancy by restricting ovulation and creating an unfavorable environment for sperm to travel.
Norethindrone pills also treat irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and secondary amenorrhea.
On the other hand, Drospirenone (Slynd) is also used to treat heavy bleeding and decreases the risk of ovarian cysts.
In terms of effectiveness, Drospirenone has worked in 90% of the cases, and the effectiveness ratio for Norethindrone is 50%.
Drospirenone also has a more flexible dosage requirement than Norethindrone.
It means alternative contraception is needed if you missed more than two doses of Drosperione.
In the case of Norethindrone, you will need a backup contraception if you are only 3 hours late to take the dose.
Drospirenone vs Norethindrone – Androgenicity
Androgenicity is the property of medicine to produce physiological properties like acne or facial hair growth similar to those produced by Androgens.
Norethindrone is considered to be more Androgenic than Drospirenone.
It can lead to side effects such as acne, unwanted hair growth, and mood changes.
In contrast, Drospirenone has anti-Androgenic properties, which reduce the effects of Androgens in the body.
This makes Drospirenone a preferred option for individuals prone to Androgen-related side effects.
Risk of Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is when the amount of potassium in the blood is higher than normal.
Drospirenone has shown a higher risk of Hyperkalemia in comparison to Norethindrone.
Drospirenone has Anti-mineralocorticoid activity, which can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate potassium levels.
Hyperkalemia can cause weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms and can be dangerous for individuals with underlying kidney or heart conditions.
On the other hand, Norethindrone does not have anti-mineralocorticoid activity and does not show an increased risk of Hyperkalemia.
Comparing side effects of Norethindrone and Drospirenone
Both progestin-only contraceptive pills can cause side effects but vary in severity and specific side effects.
Some common side effects of Norethindrone and Drospirenone are irregular periods, spotting, headaches, and breast tenderness.
While Norethindrone can cause weight gain and acne, no such side effects are shown by Drospirenone.
Drospirenone may cause side effects like low libido, mood changes, and increased risk of blood clots.
Hence, both contraceptives can cause side effects, but their occurrence in the case of Drospirenone is low.
Conclusion
Norethindrone and Drospirenone are both effective progestin-only birth control pills.
While the former has been in the market for decades, the latter is a new entrant.
On the one hand, Drospirenone can show effectiveness in 90% of cases but increases the risks of Hyperkalemia.
Norethindrone is effective in 50% of cases but is safe for most women.
Hence, it is best to consult an expert who can provide guidance based on your medical history and health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drospirenone better than Norethindrone?
Drospirenone is a better option in terms of effectiveness but can increase the risk of Hyperkalemia in women taking it. At the same time, Norethindrone is a more affordable option and does not show a risk of Hyperkalemia. It is best to consult your healthcare provider to choose the best-fit birth control pill.
Is Drospirenone the same as Norethindrone?
No, Drospirenone is not the same as Norethindrone. Both are progestin-only contraceptives but differ in their chemical structures and bodily processes. Both medications have side effects and interactions and should be taken under medical supervision.
Is Slynd better than Norethindrone?
Slynd(Drospirenone) is a new entrant in the market of Progestin-only birth control pills and shows higher effectiveness than Norethindrone. But, it is a much more expensive option than Norethindrone and increases the risk of Hyperkalemia. It is advised to consult your doctor to decide the best fit for you.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
