The first chewable birth-control tablet is being launched, adding to the growing number of contraception options for women.
The spearmint-flavored Femcon Fe has won approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is produced by publicly traded drugmaker Warner Chilcott.
The FDA approved the first oral contraceptive pill in 1960. Today, more than 11 million American women use the pill, and research shows that 80 percent of U.S. woman born since 1945 have used the pill. When used correctly, oral contraceptives are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
“Research has shown that compliance still impacts oral contraceptive failure rates, and anything we can do to make it easier for our patients to maintain a daily regimen is a notable advancement,” said Dr. Laurent Delli-Bovi, medical director of women’s health services at Chestnut Hill Family Planning Facility in Boston, in a statement. “We’re excited to be able to offer a chewable formulation to patients looking for convenience, or to those who may be experiencing problems on other pills, such as breakthrough bleeding.”
Warner Chilcott officials said potential side effects from taking Femcon Fe are similar to those experienced by people who take other oral contraceptives. Serious risks include an increased chance of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
For more information about Femcon Fe, see www.wcrx.com.
Staff writer Christine Tatum can be reached at 303-954-1503 or ctatum@denverpost.com.
