A method of contraception which comprises administering for 21 successive days to a female of childbearing age a combination of 17α-ethinylestradiol and norgestimate for the first 7 days in a daily dosage corresponding to 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol and 0.180 mg of norgestimate, for the succeeding 7 days a daily dosage equal to 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol aid 0.215 mg of norgestimate; and for the next 7 days a daily dosage equal to 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol and 0.250 mg of norgestimate; followed by 7 days without estrogen and progestogen administration. view more

A triphasic oral contraceptive unit having 21 separate dosage units, adapted for successive daily oral administration comprising: 7 dosage units containing in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol and 0.180 mg of norgestimate, 7 dosage units containing in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol and 0.215 mg of norgestimate; and 7 dosage units containing in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, 25 μg of 17α-ethinylestradiol and 0.250 mg of norgestimate; and optionally containing 7 additional dosage units free of estrogen and progestogen. view more