sex hormone-binding globulin levels produced by ethinyl estradiol. Pharmacokinetics Upon application of a transdermal patch containing norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol, plateau levels of both are reached by approximately 48 hours, and steady-state levels are reached within 2 weeks of application. Absorption following application to the buttock, upper outer arm, abdomen, and upper torso was assessed and, while absorption from the abdomen was slightly lower, it was considered to be therapeutically equivalent for the various areas. Mean levels of norelgestromin at steady-state ranged from 0.305 ng/mL to 1.53 ng/mL, with an average of about 0.725 ng/mL. The plasma protein binding of norelgestromin is 99%, and it is bound to albumin but not to sex hormone-binding globulin. The metabolism of norelgestromin takes place in the liver and is via transformation into levonorgestrel (conversion of the C3 oxime into a ketone) as well as hydroxylation and conjugation. However, because norelgestromin is used parenterally, first-pass metabolism in the liver and gastrointestinal tract that normally occurs with oral administration are avoided. The biological half-life of norelgestromin is 17 to 37 hours. The metabolites of norelgestromin, along with those of ethinyl estradiol, are eliminated in the urine and feces. Chemistry Norelgestromin, also known as 17α-ethynyl-18-methyl-19-nortestosterone 3-oxime or as 17α-ethynyl-18-methylestr-4-en-17β-ol-3-one 3-oxime, is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of testosterone. It is a racemic mixture of E and Z isomers, which have approximately the same activity. Norelgestromin is more specifically a derivative of norethisterone (17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone) and is a member of the gonane (18-methylestrane) subgroup of the 19-nortestosterone family of progestins. It is the C3 oxime derivative of levonorgestrel and the C17β deacetyl derivative of norgestimate and is also known as levonorgestrel 3-oxime and as 17β-deacetylnorgestimate. A related progestin is norethisterone acetate oxime (17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone 3-oxime 17β-acetate). History Norelgestromin was introduced for medical use in 2002. Society and culture Generic names Norelgestromin is the generic name of the drug and its , , and . The combined ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin contraceptive patch is also known by its developmental code name RWJ-10553. Brand names Norelgestromin is marketed under the brand names Evra, Ortho Evra, Xulane, and others, all in combination with ethinylestradiol. Availability Norelgestromin is marketed widely throughout the world, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, elsewhere throughout Europe, South Africa, Latin America, Asia, and elsewhere in the world. It is not listed as being marketed in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China,