Extended cycles with the combined oral contraceptive XXXX 2   mg/ @entity2082 0.03   mg: pooled analysis of data from three large-scale, non-interventional, observational studies.

@entity1 @entity548 @entity2082 @entity2704 @entity18831 @entity272 @entity10
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prescribing of extended regimens of oral contraceptives (OCs) is increasing in routine gynaecological practice as a means of reducing the number of annual @entity548 . Typically, this involves taking one pill per day for, say, 84 days continuously (4 21 days), followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. Low-dose OCs are suitable for extended use, and many gynaecologists in Germany prescribe the combination of @entity18831 2   mg/ @entity2082 0.03   mg (CMA 2   mg/EE 0.03   mg). The aim of the current study was to assess the risks and benefits of CMA 2   mg/EE 0.03   mg in extended regimens, using pooled data from observational studies. METHODS: This pooled analysis of three large-scale, non-interventional, observational studies assessed the results in @entity1 receiving Belara   (CMA 2   mg/EE 0.03   mg) according to an extended regimen compared with conventional regimens documented in the summary of product characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 625 @entity1 were identified as extended-regimen users (mean  SD age 24.9  9.0 years). Extended-cycle use was associated with @entity272 , dysmenorrhoea symptoms (as shown by reductions in analgesic use; absence from school, university, or work; and restrictions in leisure and sporting activities), cycle-dependent symptoms (e.g. @entity10 / @entity2704 , breast tenderness), @entity548 , bleeding duration and reduced libido. Mean bodyweight remained almost constant over 6 months. Only nine adverse drug reactions, none severe, were reported in eight @entity1 (1.3%). CONCLUSION: This pooled analysis confirms that extended regimens of CMA 2   mg/EE 0.03   mg reduce cycle-related complaints and are very well tolerated.
