Top 300 Drugs – Contraception and Women’s Health

Etonogestrel (implant)

Brand = Nexplanon

Drug Class = Long-act. progestin

Typical Uses = Contraception

Norelgestromin / EE

Brand = Xulane (patch)

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

EE / Etonogestrel

Brand = NuvaRing (vag ring)

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

Dienogest / Estradiol Valerate

Brand = Natazia

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

EE / Drospirenone

Brand = Yaz, Yasmin

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception; acne

EE / Levonorgestrel

Brand = Aviane, Levora

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

EE / Desogestrel

Brand = Apri, OrthoCept

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

EE / Norethindrone

Brand = Ortho-Novum

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception

EE / Norgestimate

Brand = Ortho TriCyclen

Drug Class = Oral contraceptive

Typical Uses = Contraception; acne

Levonorgestrel (highdose)

Brand = Plan B OneStep

Drug Class = Emergency contraceptive (oral)

Typical Uses = Post-coital ≤72 h

Conjugated estrogens

Brand = Premarin

Drug Class = Estrogen

Typical Uses = HRT, menopause

Estradiol (oral/patch)

Brand = Estrace, VivelleDot

Drug Class = Estrogen

Typical Uses = HRT, menopause

Progesterone (micronized)

Brand = Prometrium

Drug Class = Progestin

Typical Uses = Abnl uterine bleed; HRT adjunct

Medroxyprogesterone

Brand = Depo-Provera, Provera

Drug Class = Progestin

Typical Uses = Injectable contraceptive

Oxytocin

Brand = Pitocin

Drug Class = Uterotonic

Typical Uses = Labor induction; postpartum hemorrhage

Mechanism / Therapeutic Rationale

• Estrogen + progestin ↓ FSH/LH → inhibits ovulation; thickens cervical mucus.

• Progestin-only (implant, DMPA, Plan B) mainly blocks ovulation + endometrial changes.

• Estrogen HRT replaces declining endogenous estrogen to control vasomotor sx; progestin added to protect endometrium.

• Oxytocin stimulates uterine smooth-muscle contractions via oxytocin receptors.

Hallmark Common SEs (✓)

✓ Nausea/breast tenderness (estrogen)

✓ Unpredictable breakthrough bleeding (all contraceptives)

✓ Weight change, mood change (progestins)

Serious / Black-Box Risks

Thromboembolism, MI/stroke — ↑ with estrogen, smoking ≥35 yrs.

Uterine rupture, fetal distress (high-dose oxytocin misuse).

High-Yield Interactions & Contra-Indications

• Potent CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, St John’s wort) ↓ contraceptive/estrogen efficacy → backup needed.

• CI: active breast cancer, pregnancy, uncontrolled HTN, hx VTE/PE, heavy smoking (≥15 cig/d & >35 yrs)