Lucette

Lucette is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing a progestogen (drospirenone) and an estrogen (Ethinyl estradiol). This mixture interferes with fertilization because it inhibits the pituitary secretion of gonadotropic hormones by binding to the corresponding nuclear receptors: PR A and PR B receptors in the case of progestogen and ER-alpha receptor for estrogen. This activity leads to the inhibition of follicular maturation and suppresses ovulatory cycles in a high percentage. Furthermore, the mixture causes endometrial changes that interfere with the nesting process and induces the formation of viscous and impenetrable cervical mucus that interferes with the migration of sperm from the vagina to the uterine and tubal cavities. The combined effect of these actions determines their contraceptive efficacy, which reaches up to 99%. The metabolism is hepatic and its elimination is through urine and faeces for both active ingredients and their metabolites. Restoration of ovarian function occurs within three months after stopping treatment.