Bios 275 Aplication Paper

Bios 275 Homework Assignment 4

Chapter 13, Pages 226-227:

2) Name the three categories of oral contraceptive drugs (birth control pills). Describe the difference between the categories. Give examples of generic and trade name drugs from each category.

* The three categories of birth control pills are monophasic, biphasic and triphasic. The difference between them is the amount of hormones they deliver in one cycle. Monophasic only one dose of hormones is given over a cycle of therapy, biphasic two different doses of hormones are given over a cycle of therapy and triphasic three different doses of hormones are given over a cycle of therapy

* Examples:

Monophasic- Alesse (levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol), Ortho-Cyclen (norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol), Yasmin (drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol).

Biphasic- Mircette (desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol), Otrtho-Novum 10/11 (norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol), Seasonique (levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol).

Triphasic- Cyclessa (desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol), Estrostep (norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol), Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 (norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol).

5) Describe the historical events that occurred when the drug thalidomide was used in Europe to treat morning sickness in pregnant women.

* Thalidomide was developed in West Germany to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. The FDA refused to approve its use in the USA without been further studied first. Before Additional studies could be made, evidence accumulated against the safety of the drug. So over 8,000 babies were born in Europe with deformed extremities.

11) What is unique about these contraceptive drugs: Implanon, Mirena, NuvaRing, and Ortho Evra?

* Implanon: A progesterone only arm implant. No increased risks of clot secondary to lack of estrogen.

Mirena: An intra-uterine device that is also progesterone only. Can last up to 5 years and can help with heavy menstrual bleeding.

NuvaRing: A combine contraceptive that is inserted...