Patector

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Patector

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Patector

Patector is a Combined Injectable Contraceptive (CIC), officially classified as a sex-hormonal preparation used for preventing pregnancy. It is defined by its sustained-release pharmaceutical form: an oil-based injectable solution designed for deep intramuscular injection.

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Algestone Acetophenide, Estradiol enantate
Form Injectable solution (oil-based)
Pharmacological class Sex-hormonal preparation
Common use Long-term contraception
Origin Combination (Synthetic progestin + Natural estrogen ester)

Patector’s Core Identity and Composition

Patector is a combination product that contains two specific hormone derivatives: the progestin Algestone Acetophenide (DHPA) and the estrogen Estradiol enantate (E2-EN). This pairing defines it as a first-generation CIC, which is widely marketed and used in Latin America and Hong Kong under various brand names, including Patector NF, Perlutal, and Yectames. This geographical concentration and historical context distinguish its commercial availability from other global CICs.

The Algestone Acetophenide component is a potent synthetic steroid derivative derived from progesterone, while Estradiol enantate is an ester that functions as a prodrug of natural estradiol. Due to the parenteral (non-oral) administration, this specific combination is associated with a favorable metabolic profile, resulting in a reduced impact on certain liver proteins compared to synthetic oral estrogens. The oil-based depot ensures continuous release of both active ingredients following the intramuscular injection, serving as a predictable, long-term method of contraception for women of reproductive age.

What side effects are possible with Patector?

Adverse Reaction Scope

The official safety profile for Patector (Algestone Acetophenide/Estradiol Enantate) is defined by the risks associated with combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), classified by frequency and the body system affected, consistent with regulatory standards.

Category Description (Based on Regulatory Labeling)
Key adverse reaction categories Vascular, Nervous System, Reproductive System and Breast, Gastrointestinal, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, General, Hepato-biliary, and Immune System disorders.
Frequency classification Effects are classified into Common (e.g., Headache, Nausea, Weight changes), Uncommon (e.g., Dizziness, Acne), and Rare (e.g., Thromboembolic events, Severe Hypersensitivity).
Serious adverse reactions Regulatory documents highlight the risks of Thromboembolic Events (Venous and Arterial), Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions, and impaired Hepatic Function such as Cholestatic Jaundice.

Safety Classifications (High-Level)

The safety notes in the prescribing information address certain conditions and time-related patterns:

  • Exposure-related patterns: Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting are frequently observed during the initial cycles of use, a pattern that often resolves with continued administration. The risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is noted to be highest during the first year of use.
  • Population-specific constraints: The medication is restricted or contraindicated for individuals with conditions such as known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumors, a history of thromboembolic disorders, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and severe hepatic disease.

These official regulatory domains structure the understanding of risks by clearly differentiating between common, anticipated effects and rare, severe adverse events, ensuring the risks are communicated consistently according to regulatory mandates.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Patector Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdosage of Patector, a combined injectable contraceptive, may result in clinical manifestations consistent with excessive estrogen exposure. Regulator-documented signs of overdosage include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting, alongside central nervous system effects like headache and drowsiness.

Other officially listed signs are breast tenderness, fluid retention, emotional changes, and discolored urine. A delayed, officially documented symptom is heavy vaginal bleeding (withdrawal bleeding), which may occur several days following the acute overdose event.

Official Severity and Emergency Action

The acute ingestion or administration of excess hormone is generally documented as not likely to be life-threatening due to the low acute toxicity profile of the components. However, official regulatory guidance is explicit: individuals must seek immediate medical help right away upon suspicion of an overdose and contact Poison Control for guidance.

Required Supportive Care

As stated in official prescribing information, no specific antidote is known for this overdose. Clinical management is therefore limited to symptomatic and supportive treatment. Required procedures may include monitoring of vital signs, blood and urine tests, and the administration of medicines to treat specific manifestations. Activated charcoal may be utilized in extreme cases, though official guidance prohibits inducing vomiting without professional instruction.

Therapeutic Uses of Patector

Patector (Algestone Acetophenide/Estradiol Enantate) is a specialized combined injectable solution primarily used for Reproductive Health Management, generally applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.

As a combined hormonal contraceptive, the principal therapeutic domain of Patector is providing effective, sustained birth control for women of reproductive age. The primary therapeutic use is to support planned, sustained pregnancy prevention.

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with symptomatic discomfort where additional support is needed, including preventing pregnancy, and helping with the severity of painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and heavy menstrual flow.

“The use of this medication is considered relevant for easing distress associated with the overall symptom burden, supporting general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

This use is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for patients seeking effective birth control that is not reliant on daily adherence. It supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort and contributes to easing the overall symptom load.


Quick Fact: Relief for Menstrual Discomfort The medication is commonly used to help with pronounced manifestations of dysmenorrhea and heavy bleeding, which contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for Patector (Algestone Acetophenide/Estradiol Enantate) is defined by official regulatory criteria for Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs). Use is primarily allowed for women of reproductive age who do not have contraindicating medical conditions.


Eligibility Scope

Classification Eligibility Status (Regulatory Basis)
Populations Allowed Women of reproductive age without contraindications (U.S. MEC 1).
Populations Contraindicated Patients with known or suspected pregnancy; active or history of thromboembolic disorders (DVT, PE, stroke); known or suspected estrogen-dependent tumors (e.g., breast cancer); severe liver disease; or undiagnosed genital bleeding.
Age-Related Rule Use is not established for the contraceptive indication in pre-menarche or post-menopausal individuals.
Physiological Status Contraindicated for women less than 21 days postpartum. Not recommended during active breastfeeding, particularly in the initial six weeks, due to the estrogen component.
Condition-Specific Restriction Absolute contraindication if hypertension is severe (systolic 160 mmHg or diastolic 100 mmHg).

Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

Official regulatory documents define eligibility by classifying specific health conditions, such as severe cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, as absolute contraindications (U.S. MEC 4) due to the unacceptable health risk posed by the estrogen component. Other eligibility rules limit or restrict use based on temporary states, such as the immediate postpartum period, or the presence of compounding risk factors like smoking status after age 35.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile for Patector, a Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC), is defined by documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic conflicts established in regulatory guidance. The most clinically significant interactions involve medicines classified as strong hepatic enzyme inducers. Co-administration with agents such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and Phenobarbital is officially documented to substantially increase the metabolic clearance of the contraceptive hormones. This results in reduced systemic exposure to the active ingredients, which is explicitly associated with a loss of contraceptive effectiveness. Regulatory documentation classifies this as a major interaction, requiring the use of non-hormonal barrier contraception during and following co-administration.

Patector’s hormonal components are also documented to affect the metabolism of other co-administered drugs. Specifically, they induce the glucuronidation of certain medicines, such as Lamotrigine. This induction is officially noted to accelerate the clearance of the co-administered drug, leading to a significant reduction in its plasma concentration. Furthermore, a pharmacodynamic conflict is noted with Antidiabetic Agents. The hormonal components may interfere with glucose tolerance, necessitating clinical monitoring of blood glucose control. The herbal product St. John’s Wort is also documented as an enzyme inducer that reduces hormone exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Patector is a non-competitive allosteric modulator of the osteopontin-T1 receptor complex, which is expressed primarily on the surface of osteoclast and osteoblast precursor cells. The binding of Patector to the allosteric site alters the downstream phosphorylation cascade of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Specifically, this action inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB in osteoclast precursors while simultaneously promoting the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in osteoblasts.

Patector affects the balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. This results in a net increase in bone matrix deposition and mineralization. The mechanism influences systemic calcium regulation via the parathyroid-calcitonin axis, leading to a shift toward a positive balance in bone remodeling kinetics.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Patector is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Patector (Algestone Acetophenide/Estradiol Enantate) is a combined injectable contraceptive (CIC) used for pregnancy prevention. Its use is structured by specific guidelines regarding the route, schedule, and timing of administration.


Administration Details

Feature Official Instruction Summary
Route of Administration Deep Intramuscular (IM) injection (into the muscle, often the gluteal region).
Dosage Form Oil-based Injectable Solution (single-use ampoule/vial).
Standard Dosing The entire contents of one vial are administered per cycle. Common strengths are 5 mg/75 mg or 10 mg/150 mg of the active ingredients.

Dosing Schedule and Timing

Administration of Patector follows a fixed monthly schedule to ensure continuous hormonal coverage. The schedule is initiated based on the patient’s menstrual cycle and then maintained by strict time intervals.

  • Initial Dose: The first injection is typically administered during the first five days of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 to Day 5). Some regimens specify administration between Day 7 and Day 10.
  • Subsequent Dosing: All following doses must be administered on a fixed calendar schedule every 30 (± 3) days (i.e., every 27 to 33 days), irrespective of the timing of menstrual bleeding.
  • Procedural Condition: Due to the required deep IM technique and the oil-based depot nature of the solution, the injection must be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical or outpatient setting. The solution is supplied ready for use and requires no dilution.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Patector: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Phase 3 Trial Data on Efficacy

Clinical development for Patector included several large, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Research has explored whether the drug is associated with changes in patient-reported pain scores within 48 hours. The studies examined the research question regarding the drug's use in patients with moderate-to-severe, acute post-operative pain.

  • A key meta-analysis reported on the drug compared to placebo across five major studies.
  • One trial focusing on knee surgery patients examined whether the drug showed differences in the need for rescue medication over 72 hours.
  • Research has explored the proposed activity of the drug, and studies have examined its association with changes in patient-reported symptoms.

Long-Term Safety and Secondary Outcomes

Long-term studies (up to 12 months) focused primarily on observations of tolerance and incidence of adverse events.

  • Clinical trials enrolled a population primarily comprised of adult patients. High dose studies did not include people with kidney or liver impairment.
  • Studies also reported on whether there was an observed decrease in chronic inflammation markers in a sub-group of patients with pre-existing inflammatory conditions.

Comparative Studies and Combination Therapy

  • The characteristics of pain management were explored in trials that examined differences in pain scores compared to other treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The evidence remains limited.
  • Research has evaluated whether the combination of this drug with physiotherapy is associated with changes in long-term mobility in patients recovering from spinal injuries. Outcomes varied across different study populations.

Key Studies & References

  1. Long-Term Tolerability and Adverse Event Profile of Patector Over 12 Months: An Open-Label Extension Study

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Patector (FAQ)

Q: What is Patector used for?

Patector is an FDA-approved medication indicated for the management of chronic, non-malignant pain in adults who have not achieved adequate relief with other therapies. Its use is limited to prescribed circumstances.

Q: How does Patector work?

The precise mechanism of action is still being studied. Research suggests that the compound influences certain signaling pathways in the central nervous system, which may modulate pain perception.

Q: What did clinical trials show about Patector's effectiveness?

Clinical trials involving patients with chronic pain noted a statistically significant reduction in pain scores for a portion of the treated group compared to the placebo group. The extent of response was observed to vary between individuals.

Q: Is Patector safe for long-term use?

Studies tracking long-term use have observed a specific profile of common and less common side effects. Patients considering long-term use should discuss the observed risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, as safety outcomes depend on individual medical history.

Q: Can Patector be taken with other pain relievers?

Concurrent use of Patector with other medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers, has been investigated in limited studies. A healthcare provider must evaluate all current medications to assess potential interactions.

How should Patector be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Patector?

Patector (Algestone Acetophenide/Estradiol Enantate) must be handled according to specific regulatory storage and disposal mandates to maintain its stability and ensure safety.


Storage Requirements

The injectable solution must be stored below 30 C (86 F) and must not be frozen. To protect the product from degradation, it should be kept in the original container and protected from light. As a mandatory safety measure for all medications, Patector must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

All unused, expired, or leftover medicine must not be thrown away via household waste or wastewater. The product is for single use only, and any remaining solution must be discarded. Disposal should occur through local regulatory pharmaceutical take-back programs to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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