BIRTH CONTROL PATCH APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA AND EC.The first-ever birth control patch, introduced earlier this year in the United States, has just been approved by Health Canada and the European Commission (EC). Known as EVRA (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol Warning - Hazardous drug! Evra (UK), Ortho Evra Pharmacologic class: Estrogen Therapeutic class: Hormone transdermal system), it will be available by prescription in Canada early in 2003 from Janssen-Ortho Inc. Janssen Cilag companies in Europe anticipate launching the product during the second half of 2003. Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., based in New Jersey, markets the product in the United States under the brand name ORTHO EVRA. All of these companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Johnson & Johnson. The Health Canada and EC approvals of EVRA mean that women in multiple countries will soon have a new prescription birth control option that combines the effectiveness of the Pill with the convenience of once-a-week dosing. "I've already prescribed ORTHO EVRA to many of my patients and they report being very satisfied with its effectiveness and ease of use," said Patricia Stephenson, MD, partner at Stoneridge Obstetrics and Gynecology obstetrics and gynecology Medical and surgical specialty concerned with the management of pregnancy and childbirth and with the health of the female reproductive system. in Sellersville, PA. "They especially like the fact that they don't have to remember to take a pill every day. Instead, they change the patch once a week and they're protected from pregnancy." In the U.S., four of the nation's five largest pharmacy benefit managers, representing 207 million lives, have already placed ORTHO EVRA on their formularies. Women in the U.S. can learn more about ORTHO EVRA by calling 1-877-BC-PATCH or visiting http://www.orthoevra.com. The web site is available in English and Spanish, and features information about the product, how to use it and frequently asked questions. Women should speak with their health care professional about their birth control options. ORTHO EVRA is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. ORTHO EVRA is not for everyone. Women should speak with their health care professional about which birth control method is right for them. The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. Hormonal contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. of the contraceptive patch are not serious and those that are, occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life-threatening, include blood clots Blood Clots Definition A blood clot is a thickened mass in the blood formed by tiny substances called platelets. Clots form to stop bleeding, such as at the site of cut. , stroke or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the contraceptive patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. or other sexually transmitted diseases Sexually transmitted diseases Infections that are acquired and transmitted by sexual contact. Although virtually any infection may be transmitted during intimate contact, the term sexually transmitted disease is restricted to conditions that are largely . ORTHO EVRA was developed by the Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C and is marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Ortho-McNeil is a pioneer in contraception and a leader in women's health Women's Health Definition Women's health is the effect of gender on disease and health that encompasses a broad range of biological and psychosocial issues. care. Ortho-McNeil offers the broadest range of prescription birth control options, including nine birth control pills, a leading intrauterine device intrauterine device (IUD), variously shaped birth control device, usually of plastic, which is inserted into the uterus by a physician. The IUD may contain copper or levonorgestrel, a progestin (a hormone with progesteronelike effects; see progesterone). (IUD IUD Definition An IUD is an intrauterine device made of plastic and/or copper that is inserted into the womb (uterus) by way of the vaginal canal. One type releases a hormone (progesterone), and is replaced each year. ), diaphragms and now the first birth control patch. The company also markets prescription pharmaceutical products in other therapeutic categories, including central nervous system, urology, infectious disease, analgesics Analgesics Definition Analgesics are medicines that relieve pain. Purpose Analgesics are those drugs that mainly provide pain relief. and wound healing. For more information, visit http://www.orthoevra.com or http://www.ortho-mcneil.com or call 908/218-6637. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion