|
More Ortho Evra® News
The Today Sponge became the largest selling over-the-counter female contraceptive when it was brought to market in 1983. It was pulled from the market in 1995 because of manufacturing problems.
The new birth control Sponge is now produced at a new facility by startup company Allendale Pharmaceuticals, which bought manufacturing rights in 2000. Last year the birth control Sponge began returning to market and will be stocked by Wal-Mart beginning in July of 2006.
Despite the Sponge's demand, there is no shortage of alternative contraceptives such as condoms, the birth control pill, and the Ortho Evra® birth control patch.
The birth control pill has always been and still remains the number one choice for women. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the pills provide women with a tool to regulate periods.
When used correctly, the birth control pill's rate of effectiveness exceeds 99%, while other hormone methods such as the Ortho Evra® patch, are equally effective.
Still, women are cautious about using Ortho Evra® because of the potential dangerous side effects. Ortho Evra® birth control patch side effects include headaches, blood clots, stroke, heart attacks, breast tenderness, and nausea.
While markedly better than no birth control at all, the birth control Sponge is designed to block sperm from entering the cervix and is less effective than other types of birth control such as the pill or Ortho Evra® patch.
Reference:
"Today Sponge returns as birth control method - Other practices more effective," The Journal Gazette, Michael Schroeder, June 2006.
|
