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Therapeutics
Review: 6 RCTs show similar efficacy and safety for continuous dosing and 28 day combination contraceptive pills

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.11.2.53

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    Edelman AB, Gallo MF, Jensen JT, et al. Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(3):CD004695.

    
 
 Q Are continuous (extended) combination oral contraceptives (COCs) as effective and safe as monthly cyclic COCs?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★★☆ Gynaecology ★★★★★★☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    Medline, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, POPLINE, reference lists, and corresponding authors of studies.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing continuous or extended cycle COCs (>28 d of active pills) with traditional dosing (21 d of active pills) in women of reproductive age. Exclusion criteria: COCs for treating such conditions as endometriosis. Study quality was assessed.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    bleeding patterns, participant satisfaction, pregnancy, study discontinuation, and adverse events.

    MAIN RESULTS

    6 RCTs met the selection criteria. RCTs were not combined in a meta-analysis because of differences in type of COC, time of exposure, and definitions …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Dr A Edelman, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. edelmana{at}ohsu.edu

    • Sources of funding: US Agency for International Development and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.