For how long does NETEN (Norethisterone Enanthate) protect against pregnancy?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2020

Explanation

Norethisterone Enanthate (NET-EN) is a type of progestin-only injectable contraceptive.
A single 200 mg intramuscular injection of NET-EN provides effective contraception for a period of two months (or 60 days).
Its mechanism involves inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

Option A: One month is the duration of protection for Combined Injectable Contraceptives (CICs), such as Cyclofem or Mesigyna, which contain both estrogen and progestin.
Option C: Three months (or 12 weeks) is the duration of protection for another common progestin-only injectable, Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), commonly known as Depo-Provera.
Option D: Four months is not a standard interval for any commonly used injectable contraceptive. This duration would leave a significant gap in protection.

Visual 1: Comparison Chart - A table comparing the features of different injectable contraceptives (NET-EN, DMPA, CICs), including their hormone type, duration of action, and administration schedule.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Duration of action of injectable contraceptives as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate knowledge of injection intervals is critical for patient counseling to ensure contraceptive efficacy and prevent unintended pregnancies.
Nurses must educate clients on the importance of adhering to the 2-month schedule for NET-EN and what to do if an injection is missed.
What if? If a client receiving NET-EN is more than two weeks late for her injection, she should be advised to use a backup contraceptive method (like condoms) for the next 7 days and may need to consider emergency contraception if she has had unprotected intercourse.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a specific medication's properties.
First, identify the specific drug mentioned in the question: NET-EN (Norethisterone Enanthate).
Next, access your knowledge base on hormonal contraceptives, specifically the different types of injectables.
Differentiate the administration schedule of NET-EN from other common injectables like DMPA (3 months) and combined injectables (1 month).
Recall that NET-EN is administered every two months.
Select the option that matches this known duration.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi OneStop 9e p. 43-435

Practise the full Raj. CHO -2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.