Last update April 28, 2026

炔雌醇 + 诺孕曲明

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (norelgestromin) in transdermal patch applied 3 of 4 weeks. Norelgestromin is the primary active metabolite of norgestimate, a progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel.

ETHINYLESTRADIOL is a synthetic estrogen that has a similar action as estradiol. 

Its pharmacokinetic data (high percentage of protein binding and very wide volume of distribution) explain the negligible or null passage into breast milk observed. (Segev 2025, Betrabet 1986, Nilsson 1978)

NORELGESTROMIN is the primary active metabolite of norgestimate, a progestogen structurally related to levonorgestrel.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its high percentage of protein binding makes it very unlikely that milk will pass through significant amounts.

For a detailed discussion with references:

  • on why non-hormonal methods are the first choice during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, followed by IUDs and progestin implants,
  • on the potential problems associated with the use of combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives,
  • the possible decrease in milk production with estrogen use,
  • and why progestin-only contraceptives are preferable during breastfeeding,

see below: “(Combined Estrogen + Progestin Contraceptives, COCs)”


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Group

炔雌醇 + 诺孕曲明 belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing 炔雌醇 + 诺孕曲明 in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 40 - 60 / ? %
Molecular weight 296 / 328 daltons
Protein Binding 99 / 97 %
VD 5 / ? l/Kg
pKa 10.3 / 11.47 -
Tmax 1.5 ± 0.5 / hours
17 / 28 hours
M/P ratio 0.3 / ? -
Theoretical Dose 0.000045 / ? mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose < 0.54 / ? %

References

  1. Segev L, Ben Zimra A, Weitzman GA, Bloch N, Pitussi I, Alkhazov T, Kogan NM, Peleg D, Samson AO, Ben Shachar I. Ethinylestradiol Transfer into Breast Milk of Women Using Low-Dose Combined Hormonal Contraception Is Negligible. Open Access J Contracept. 2025 Dec 10;16:189-197. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. EMA. EVRA. Ficha técnica. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  3. EMA. Evra. Product Monograph. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Betrabet SS, Shikary ZK, Toddywalla VS, Patel D, Vaidya P, Saxena BN. ICMR Task Force Study on hormonal contraception. Biological activity of ethinyl estradiol present in the breast milk. Contraception. 1986 Abstract
  5. Nilsson S, Nygren KG, Johansson ED. Ethinyl estradiol in human milk and plasma after oral administration. Contraception. 1978 Abstract

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