Abstract

Femodene (Schering) and Minulet (Wyeth) are the same monophasic combined oral contraceptive formulation of ethinyloestradiol 30μg + gestodene 75μg, marketed in Great Britain since 1987. The manufacturer claims that Femodene controls the cycle better than the current most widely used oral contraceptive, Microgynon 30 (ethinyloestradiol 30µg + levonorgestrel 150µg), and has minimal unwanted effects. Does Femodene/Minulet offer any advantage over existing preparations?