Norethisterone acetate

Norethisterone acetate (NETA), also known as norethindrone acetate and sold under the brand name Primolut-Nor among others, is a progestin medication which is used in birth control pills, menopausal hormone therapy, and for the treatment of gynecological disorders.[1][2][3][4] The medication available in low-dose and high-dose formulations and is used alone or in combination with an estrogen.[5][4][6][7] It is taken by mouth.[6]

Norethisterone acetate
Clinical data
Trade namesPrimolut-Nor, Aygestin, Gestakadin, Milligynon, Monogest, Norlutate, Primolut N, SH-420, Sovel, Styptin, others
Other namesNETA; NETAc; Norethindrone acetate; SH-420; 17α-Ethynyl-19-nortestosterone 17β-acetate; 17α-Ethynylestra-4-en-17β-ol-3-one 17β-acetate
AHFS/Drugs.comInternational Drug Names
MedlinePlusa604034
Routes of
administration		By mouth
Drug classProgestogen; Progestin; Progestogen ester
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
ChemSpider
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.000.121
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC22H28O3
Molar mass340.463 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  (verify)

Side effects of NETA include menstrual irregularities, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, increased hair growth, and others.[6] NETA is a progestin, or a synthetic progestogen, and hence is an agonist of the progesterone receptor, the biological target of progestogens like progesterone.[1] It has weak androgenic and estrogenic activity and no other important hormonal activity.[1][8] The medication is a prodrug of norethisterone in the body.[9][10]

NETA was patented in 1957 and was introduced for medical use in 1964.[11][12] It is sometimes referred to as a "first-generation" progestin.[13][14] NETA is marketed widely throughout the world.[4] It is available as a generic medication.[15]

Medical uses

NETA is used as a hormonal contraceptive in combination with estrogen, in the treatment of gynecological disorders such as abnormal uterine bleeding, and as a component of menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.[4]

Available forms

NETA is available in the form of tablets for use by mouth both alone and in combination with estrogens including estradiol, estradiol valerate, and ethinylestradiol.[16][4] Transdermal patches providing a combination of 50 μg/day estradiol and 0.14 or 0.25 mg/day NETA are available under the brand names CombiPatch and Estalis.[16][4]

NETA was previously available for use by intramuscular injection in the form of ampoules containing 20 mg NETA, 5 mg estradiol benzoate, 8 mg estradiol valerate, and 180 mg testosterone enanthate in oil solution under the brand name Ablacton to suppress lactation in postpartum women.[17][18][19][20]

Contraindications
See also: Norethisterone § Contraindications, and Progestin § Contraindications

Side effects
See also: Norethisterone § Side effects, and Progestin § Side effects

Side effects of NETA include menstrual irregularities, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, increased hair growth, and others.[6]

Overdose
See also: Norethisterone § Overdose, and Progestin § Overdose

Interactions
See also: Norethisterone § Interactions, and Progestin § Interactions

Pharmacology
See also: Norethisterone § Pharmacology, and Norethisterone § Pharmacokinetics
Norethisterone (17β-deacetyl-NETA), the active form of NETA.
Norethisterone and ethinylestradiol levels over 24 hours after a single oral dose of 10 mg NETA in postmenopausal women.[21]

NETA is a prodrug of norethisterone in the body.[9] Upon oral ingestion, it is rapidly converted into norethisterone by esterases during intestinal and first-pass hepatic metabolism.[10] Hence, as a prodrug of norethisterone, NETA has essentially the same effects, acting as a potent progestogen with additional weak androgenic and estrogenic activity (the latter via its metabolite ethinylestradiol).[1][8]

In terms of dosage equivalence, norethisterone and NETA are typically used at respective dosages of 0.35 mg/day and 0.6 mg/day as progestogen-only contraceptives, and at respective dosages of 0.5–1 mg/day and 1–1.5 mg/day in combination with ethinylestradiol in combined oral contraceptives.[8] Conversely, the two drugs have been used at about the same dosages in menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.[8] NETA is of about 12% higher molecular weight than norethisterone due to the presence of its C17β acetate ester.[2]

Micronization of NETA has been found to increase its potency by several-fold in animals and women.[22][23][24][25] The endometrial transformation dosage of micronized NETA per cycle is 12 to 14 mg, whereas that for non-micronized NETA is 30 to 60 mg.[22]

NETA metabolizes into ethinylestradiol at a rate of 0.20 to 0.33% across a dose range of 10 to 40 mg.[26][27] Peak levels of ethinylestradiol with a 10, 20, or 40 mg dose of NETA were 58, 178, and 231 pg/mL, respectively.[26][27] For comparison, a 30 to 40 μg dose of oral ethinylestradiol typically results in a peak ethinylestradiol level of 100 to 135 pg/mL.[27] As such, in terms of ethinylestradiol exposure, 10 to 20 mg NETA may be equivalent to 20 to 30 μg ethinylestradiol and 40 mg NETA may be similar to 50 μg ethinylestradiol.[27] Due to its estrogenic activity via ethinylestradiol, high doses of NETA have been proposed for add-back in the treatment of endometriosis without estrogen supplementation.[26] Generation of ethinylestradiol with high doses of NETA may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism.[27]

Relative affinities (%) of norethisterone, metabolites, and prodrugs
CompoundTypeaPRARERGRMRSHBGCBG
Norethisterone–67–751500–10–3160
5α-DihydronorethisteroneMetabolite252700???
3α,5α-TetrahydronorethisteroneMetabolite100–10???
3α,5β-TetrahydronorethisteroneMetabolite?00????
3β,5α-TetrahydronorethisteroneMetabolite100–80???
EthinylestradiolMetabolite15–251–31121–300.180
Norethisterone acetateProdrug205100??
Norethisterone enanthateProdrug???????
NoretynodrelProdrug6020000
EtynodiolProdrug1011–180???
Etynodiol diacetateProdrug10000??
LynestrenolProdrug11300??
Notes: Values are percentages (%). Reference ligands (100%) were promegestone for the PR, metribolone for the AR, estradiol for the ER, dexamethasone for the GR, aldosterone for the MR, dihydrotestosterone for SHBG, and cortisol for CBG. Footnotes: a = Active or inactive metabolite, prodrug, or neither of norethisterone. Sources: See template.

Chemistry
See also: List of progestogens, Progestogen ester, List of progestogen esters, and List of androgens/anabolic steroids

NETA, also known as norethinyltestosterone acetate, as well as 17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone 17β-acetate or 17α-ethynylestra-4-en-17β-ol-3-one 17β-acetate, is a progestin, or synthetic progestogen, of the 19-nortestosterone group, and a synthetic estrane steroid.[2][5] It is the C17β acetate ester of norethisterone.[2][5] NETA is a derivative of testosterone with an ethynyl group at the C17α position, the methyl group at the C19 position removed, and an acetate ester attached at the C17β position.[2][5] In addition to testosterone, it is a combined derivative of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) and ethisterone (17α-ethynyltestosterone).[2][5]

Synthesis

Chemical syntheses of NETA have been published.[28]

History

Schering AG filed for a patent for NETA in June 1957, and the patent was issued in December 1960.[11] The drug was first marketed, by Parke-Davis as Norlestrin in the United States, in March 1964.[11][12] This was a combination formulation of 2.5 mg NETA and 50 μg ethinylestradiol and was indicated as an oral contraceptive.[11][12] Other early brand names of NETA used in oral contraceptives included Minovlar and Anovlar.[11]

Society and culture

Generic names

Norethisterone acetate is the INN, BANM, and JAN of NETA while norethindrone acetate is its USAN and USP.[2][5][4]

Brand names

NETA is marketed under a variety of brand names throughout the world including Primolut-Nor (major), Aygestin (US), Gestakadin, Milligynon, Monogest, Norlutate (US, CA), Primolut N, SH-420 (UK), Sovel, and Styptin among others.[2][5][4]

Formulations and brand names of norethisterone and esters
CompositionDoseBrand namesUse
NET onlyLow (e.g., 0.35 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 1]Progestogen-only oral contraceptive
NET or NETA onlyHigh (e.g., 5 mg, 10 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 2]Gynecological disorders and other uses
NETE onlyInjection (e.g., 200 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 3]Progestogen-only injectable contraceptive
NET or NETA with ethinylestradiolLow (e.g., 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 4]Combined oral contraceptive
NET with mestranolLow (e.g., 1 mg, 2 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 5]Combined oral contraceptive
NETA with estradiolLow (e.g., 0.1 mg, 0.5 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 6]Combined menopausal hormone therapy
NETE with estradiol valerateInjection (e.g., 50 mg)Multiple[lower-alpha 7]Combined injectable contraceptive
Abbreviations: NET = Norethisterone. NETA = Norethisterone acetate. NETE = Norethisterone enanthate.
Sources: [29][7][5][30]
Notes:
  1. Camila, Errin, Heather, Jencycla, Jolivette, Locilan, Micro-Novum, Micronovum, Micronor, Nor-QD, Nora, Noriday, Ortho Micronor
  2. Aygestin, Lupaneta Pack (combination pack with leuprorelin), Norcolut, Norlutate, Primolut N, Primolut Nor, SH-420, Utovlan
  3. Depocon, Doryxas, NET-EN, Noristerat, Norigest, Nur-Isterate
  4. Aranelle, Balziva, Binovum, Brevicon, Brevinor, Briellyn, Cyclafem, Dasetta, Estrostep, Femcon, Generess, Gildagia, Gildess, Jinteli, Junel, Larin, Leena, Lo Loestrin, Lo Minastrin, Loestrin, Lolo, Lomedia, Microgestin, Minastrin, Modicon, Nelova, Norimin, Norinyl, Nortrel, Ortho, Ortho-Novum, Ovcon, Ovysmen, Philith, Primella, Select, Synphase, Synphasic, Tilia, Tri-Legest, Tri-Norinyl, Trinovum, Vyfemla, Wera, Wymzya, Zenchent, Zeosa
  5. Norethin, Noriday, Norinyl, Norquen, Ortho-Novum, Sophia
  6. Activella, Activelle, Alyacen, Cliane, Climagest, Climesse, Cliovelle, CombiPatch, Elleste Duet, Estalis, Estropause, Eviana, Evorel, Kliane, Kliofem, Kliogest, Kliovance, Mesigyna, Mesygest, Mimvey, Necon, Novofem, Nuvelle, Sequidot, Systen, Trisequens
  7. Chinese Injectable No. 3, Efectimes, Ginediol, Mesigyna, Mesilar, Meslart, Mesocept, Mesygest, Nofertyl, Nofertyl Lafrancol, Noregyna, Norestrin, Norifam, Norigynon, Nostidyn, Sexseg, Solouna

United States
See also: List of progestogens available in the United States

NETA is marketed in high-dose 5 mg oral tablets in the United States under the brand names Aygestin and Norlutate for the treatment of gynecological disorders.[31] In addition, it is available under a large number of brand names at much lower dosages (0.1 to 1 mg) in combination with estrogens such as ethinylestradiol and estradiol as a combined oral contraceptive and for use in menopausal hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.[7]

Research

NETA has been studied for use as a potential male hormonal contraceptive in combination with testosterone in men.[32]

See also

References
  1. Kuhl H (2005). "Pharmacology of estrogens and progestogens: influence of different routes of administration" (PDF). Climacteric. 8 Suppl 1: 3–63. doi:10.1080/13697130500148875. PMID 16112947. S2CID 24616324.
  2. J. Elks (14 November 2014). The Dictionary of Drugs: Chemical Data: Chemical Data, Structures and Bibliographies. Springer. pp. 886–. ISBN 978-1-4757-2085-3.
  3. Index Nominum 2000: International Drug Directory. Taylor & Francis US. 2000. p. 750. ISBN 978-3-88763-075-1. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  4. https://www.drugs.com/ppa/norethindrone-acetate.html
  5. Index Nominum 2000: International Drug Directory. Taylor & Francis. January 2000. pp. 749–. ISBN 978-3-88763-075-1.
  6. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/018405s023lbl.pdf
  7. "Drugs@FDA: FDA Approved Drug Products". United States Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  8. IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans; World Health Organization; International Agency for Research on Cancer (2007). Combined Estrogen-progestogen Contraceptives and Combined Estrogen-progestogen Menopausal Therapy. World Health Organization. pp. 417–. ISBN 978-92-832-1291-1. Norethisterone and its acetate and enanthate esters are progestogens that have weak estrogenic and androgenic properties.
  9. Thomas L. Lemke; David A. Williams (2008). Foye's Principles of Medicinal Chemistry. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 1316–. ISBN 978-0-7817-6879-5.
  10. Chwalisz K, Surrey E, Stanczyk FZ (2012). "The hormonal profile of norethindrone acetate: rationale for add-back therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in women with endometriosis". Reprod Sci. 19 (6): 563–71. doi:10.1177/1933719112438061. PMID 22457429. S2CID 2882899.
  11. Lara Marks (2010). Sexual Chemistry: A History of the Contraceptive Pill. Yale University Press. pp. 73–. ISBN 978-0-300-16791-7.
  12. Robert W. Blum (22 October 2013). Adolescent Health Care: Clinical Issues. Elsevier Science. pp. 216–. ISBN 978-1-4832-7738-7.
  13. Robert Anthony Hatcher; Anita L. Nelson, M.D. (2007). Contraceptive Technology. Ardent Media. pp. 195–. ISBN 978-1-59708-001-9.
  14. Sulochana Gunasheela (14 March 2011). Practical Management of Gynecological Problems. JP Medical Ltd. pp. 31–. ISBN 978-93-5025-240-6.
  15. https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-aygestin.html
  16. James M. Rippe (15 March 2013). Lifestyle Medicine. CRC Press. pp. 280–. ISBN 978-1-4398-4544-8.
  17. A. Labhart (6 December 2012). Clinical Endocrinology: Theory and Practice. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 696–. ISBN 978-3-642-96158-8.
  18. F. G. Sulman (22 October 2013). Hypothalamic Control of Lactation: Monographs on Endocrinology. Elsevier Science. pp. 184–. ISBN 978-1-4831-9303-8.
  19. Ufer, Joachim (1 January 1978). Hormontherapie in der Frauenheilkunde: Grundlagen und Praxis [Hormone Therapy in Gynecology: Principles and Practice] (in German) (5 ed.). de Gruyter. ISBN 978-3110066647. OCLC 924728827.
  20. Drugs. S. Karger. 1975. p. 128. 5.5.4 Oestradiol valerate + Benzoate/Testosterone Enanthate/Norethisterone Acetate (Ablacton). This product contains oestradiol benzoate 5mg, oestradiol valerate 8mg, norethisterone acetate 20mg and testosterone enanthate 180mg in a 1ml oily solution. It is injected intramuscularly.
  21. Kuhnz W, Heuner A, Hümpel M, Seifert W, Michaelis K (1997). "In vivo conversion of norethisterone and norethisterone acetate to ethinyl etradiol in postmenopausal women". Contraception. 56 (6): 379–85. doi:10.1016/s0010-7824(97)00174-1. PMID 9494772. [...] it has been shown that the repeated oral administration of NET at doses of 0.5 to 3.0 mg to fertile women caused a dose related decrease in the serum levels of SHBG.24 It should be borne in mind that, besides its progestational activity, NET is also characterized by a marked androgenic partial activity, which has a suppressive effect on the synthesis of SHBG and therefore compensates the effects of an additional exposure to EE, on the liver.
  22. J. Horsky; J. Presl (6 December 2012). Ovarian Function and its Disorders: Diagnosis and Therapy. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 313–. ISBN 978-94-009-8195-9.
  23. Janet Brotherton (1976). Sex Hormone Pharmacology. Academic Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-0-12-137250-7.
  24. Gibian H, Kopp R, Kramer M, Neumann F, Richter H (1968). "Effect of particle size on biological activity of norethisterone acetate". Acta Physiol Lat Am. 18 (4): 323–6. PMID 5753386.
  25. He CH, Shi YE, Liao DL, Zhu YH, Xu JQ, Matlin SA, Vince PM, Fotherby K, Van Look PF (May 1990). "Comparative cross-over pharmacokinetic study on two types of postcoital contraceptive tablets containing levonorgestrel". Contraception. 41 (5): 557–67. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(90)90064-3. PMID 2112080.
  26. Sitruk-Ware R, Nath A (February 2013). "Characteristics and metabolic effects of estrogen and progestins contained in oral contraceptive pills". Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 27 (1): 13–24. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.09.004. PMID 23384742.
  27. Chu MC, Zhang X, Gentzschein E, Stanczyk FZ, Lobo RA (June 2007). "Formation of ethinyl estradiol in women during treatment with norethindrone acetate". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 92 (6): 2205–7. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-0044. PMID 17341557.
  28. Die Gestagene. Springer-Verlag. 27 November 2013. p. 14. ISBN 978-3-642-99941-3.
  29. https://www.drugs.com/international/norethisterone.html
  30. IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans; International Agency for Research on Cancer (1 January 1999). Hormonal Contraception and Post-menopausal Hormonal Therapy (PDF). IARC. p. 65. ISBN 978-92-832-1272-0. Lay summary.
  31. "Drugs@FDA: FDA Approved Drug Products". United States Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  32. Nieschlag E (2010). "Clinical trials in male hormonal contraception" (PDF). Contraception. 82 (5): 457–70. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2010.03.020. PMID 20933120.


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