norgestimate + ethinyl estradiol + folic acid

Norgestimate + ethinyl estradiol + folic acid is a combination oral contraceptive containing two synthetic hormones—norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen)—along with folic acid, a B-vitamin. The primary indication is the prevention of pregnancy. The contraceptive effect is achieved by inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and modifying the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. Norgestimate acts as a prodrug that is metabolized into active metabolites after oral administration. Ethinyl estradiol increases sex hormone-binding globulin levels and both components are extensively protein-bound in plasma[1][2][5]. Folic acid supplementation in these formulations aims to reduce the risk of neural tube defects should conception occur shortly after discontinuation.