Oral contraceptives unique

Finally, another unique formulation is a chewable tablet available to women who have difficulty swallowing medications. Ovcon 35 (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) has all 28 tablets in chewable form and has added spearmint flavoring.30 Along with each of these unique oral contraceptives, there are preparations currently being studied that contain 24 active pills and 4 placebo pills per pack, shortening the hormone-free period.1... 

There has been a single report of autoimmune hepatitis with the combination of cyproterone acetate and a progestogen (5). Similar events have been described very occasionally with other oral contraceptives and with diethylstilbestrol they are not unique to cyproterone. 

Due to the unique biological similarity of drospirenone (e.g., mild anti-aldosterone and anti-androgenic activity) to the natural progesterone, Yasmin has important advantages over the known oral contraceptives [14]. For example, the use of Yasmin does not initially cause any increase in body weight, and it is also effective in treating mild to moderate acne. Likewise, menstrual cycle control is excellent. 

Women also face some unique health consequences of smoking. For example, women who smoke are at higher risk of cervical cancer, unwanted side effects of using oral contraceptives, and early menopause (Ernster, 1993). Furthermore, smokers who arc pregnant incur a higher risk of spontaneous abortion, preterm births, low-weight babies, and fetal and infant deaths. If the infant is born healthy, there still is risk from nicotine present in the mother s milk (USDHHS, 1987b). 

Freeman EW, Kroll R, Rapkin A, et al. Evaluation of a unique oral contraceptive in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 2001 10 561-569. 

The chronic administration of molecules, which have a short biological half-life and cannot be given orally, presents a difficult challenge to formulators. One strategy which might be considered is the development of a sustained-release intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Other non-parenteral options could include the inhalation or intranasal route, both of which have their own unique challenges. Sustained-release parenteral formulations might also be required in circumstances where patient compliance is likely to be poor. This consideration has led to the development of some antipsychotics and contraceptives as sustained-release injections. Table 9.6 lists some of the sustained-release parenteral products which are available on the U.S. market and their respective formulations. The typical approaches used in the formulation of sustained-release parenterals are summarised in this section. 

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