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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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Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with atherosclerosis. Folic acid supplementation is a simple, inexpensive way to reduce homocysteine levels, which has become popular for secondary prevention in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), despite a paucity of long-term clinical trial data. Thus, Liem and colleagues studied 593 patients with stable CAD on statins who were randomized to open-label folic acid 0.5 mg/d or standard care, which included aggressive pursuit of lipid goals.
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In 1998, Beyth and colleagues developed a modified outpatient bleeding risk index. In this prospective study conducted at the University of Ottawa, 222 patients with diagnosed pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis were observed for an average of 18.5 months.
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The FDA has approved Genentechs omalizumab, the first biotechnology drug for the treatment of asthma.
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Metformin and Thiazolidinedione Use in Medicare Patients with Heart Failure; Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Biologic Markers of Glycemic Control Among 459 Women; Azelaic Acid Gel as a New Treatment for Papulopustular Rosacea
