A comparison of the effects of NORPLANT capsules and NORPLANT-2 rods on clinical chemistry: metabolic changes.

A comparison of the effects of NORPLANT capsules and NORPLANT-2 rods on liver function, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism is presented. The results indicate that the effects of both these long acting progestogen-containing subdermal implant systems are similar and comparable. With respect to liver function, possible hepatocellular dysfunction is indicated as evidenced by a significant rise in serum bilirubin and a significant fall in total protein and globulin. As regards to lipid metabolism, there appears to be no cardiovascular risk in both groups. The effects of NORPLANT on carbohydrate metabolism is not of any clinical significance.