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Extending the traditional 21/7 regimen of several forms of hormonal contraception has captured the attention of research scientists, and results of their investigations may lead to new approved uses of birth control drugs.
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For patients who are considering extended or continuous use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs), thorough counseling is an important aspect of ensuring success with the method.
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No birth control pill has been marketed that has instructed a woman to take more than 21 consecutive pills that are hormonally active. The new pill, Seasonale, under review by the Food and Drug Administration at press time, will instruct women to take 84 consecutive pills.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) status for emergency contraception has moved a step closer with the Washington, DC-based Womens Capital Corp.s April 2003 filing with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to switch its levonorgestrel drug Plan B from prescription to OTC status.
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Because the use of barrier methods other than male condoms has decreased, contraceptive research has focused on finding an acceptable female-controlled method serving the dual function of protecting against pregnancy and HIV. The latest barrier method on the market, approved in March 2003, is the FemCap.
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If you have any patients who use 28-day packages of Nortrel 7/7/7 oral contraceptives (OCs), be sure your clinic has initiated its patient notification plan following the July 9, 2003, voluntary recall issued by the pills manufacturer, Barr Laboratories of Pomona, NY.
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The word is getting out about emergency contraception (EC). A just-released national survey reports that two-thirds of women ages 18-44 are aware that there is something a woman can do to prevent pregnancy in the few days following sexual intercourse.
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Findings from a new Australian study indicate that use of modern, low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) containing 50 mcg estrogen or less do not appear to appreciably raise the risk of ischemic stroke in healthy women.
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Just-published papers in the Journal of the American Medical Association add to heightened concern regarding hormone therapy (HT).
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The next patient in your exam room is a 32-year-old woman with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. While she is obese, she does not smoke, and her chart shows no evidence of hypertension, nephropathy, or retinopathy. What birth control options can you offer her?
