Pharmacology (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
According to Buttaro, Trybulski, Polgar-Bailey, and Sandberg-Cook, (2013), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) accounts for 6% to 8% of the USA population. In newly diagnosed women, PCOS necessitates the use of various treatment combinations that will reverse the ill effects of the condition.
A case in point of such drugs is Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol, which many healthcare professionals have the tendency of using to rectify the condition. In essence, this discussion aims at analyzing the Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol, prescribed to Emily following a diagnosis of PCOS, to its practical details. Central to the analysis are various themes, namely, the dosage of the medication, mechanism of action, justification of the suitability of the drug in relieving PCOS symptoms, and efficacy as well as toxicity indicators.
Primarily, Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol is a contraceptive that combines both progestin and estradiol. The two entities make Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol, which is a spironolactone analog. The patient ought to follow the dosage that is similar to that for regular contraception. The patient should take 1-tablespoon (3mg containing 3 mg drospirenone and 20mcg Ethinyl estradiol) PO daily. The treatment could go on for 6-12 months based on the prognosis (Buttaro, Trybulski, Polgar-Bailey, and Sandberg-Cook, 2013).
That said, understanding the mechanism of action of a drug is important for the validating of its efficacy in relieving the symptoms of a certain condition. In this case, the mechanism of action of Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol is to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary system. This action would lead to a decrease in the secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).The estrogens blunt FSH from the anterior pituitary gland while progestin suppress production of the luteinizing hormone (Yildiz, 2015).
Besides knowing the mechanism of action of Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol, justification of its suitability in the treatment of PCOS symptoms is of the essence. Drospirenone/Ethinylestradiol is the drug of choice for treatment of PCOS because it induces regular periods. The drug also lowers the overall risk of developing endometrial cancer that is linked to having irregular periods (Yildiz, 2015).
Additionally, the efficacy of the medication after use is of utmost importance for the evaluation of whether the drug has had the desired effect or not. One can monitor the medication effectiveness through establishing the testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. The drug is efficacious if there is a reduction in testosterone hormone and an increase in SHBG levels (Balen, Franks, Homburg, & Kehoe, 2010).
Lastly, drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol has its side effects that a healthcare professional must be keen to note their existence at all times. By doing this, one can establish if the drug is causing toxicity to the patient. A case in point of indicators of this medication’s toxicity is allergic reactions, demonstrated by hives, swelling of the face and rashes. Also, the liver function tests are essential in suggesting hepatotoxicity, which is a common side effect of this drug (Balen, Franks, Homburg, & Kehoe, 2010). As such, through these indicators, one can monitor the toxicity of this drug.
In closure, this paper aimed at analyzing the Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol, prescribed for the treatment of PCOS, to its practical details. Indeed, from the discussion, it is apparent that Drospirenone-Ethinyl-estradiol is an essential drug for the treatment of the PCOS. However, caution is of the essence when using this drug since it has harsh side effects that may worsen one’s condition.
References
Balen, A., Franks, S., Homburg,& Kehoe, S. (2010). Current Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Buttaro, T., Trybulski, J., Polgar-Bailey, P., & Sandberg-Cook, J. (2013).Primary care: A collaborative practice (4th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Yildiz, B. (2015). Approach to the Patient: Contraception in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(3), 794-802. http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-3196
