Reproductive control agents

European drug safety agency concludes Valette can be used for moderate acne

The hormonal contraceptive Valette (dienogest/ethinylestradiol; Bayer) can continue to be used to treat women with moderate acne, following a safety review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). …

IUD and subdermal contraceptives minimise thromboembolism risk

A US study considers the safety of hormonal contraception with regard to thromoboembolic events for women with diabetes.…

My concerns with changes to the conscience clause

I read with interest about the proposed change to the conscience clause for pharmacists ( The Pharmaceutical Journal online, 22 December 2016). This concerns me. I have been a Christian for 59 years and a pharmacist for 36 years. One of the reasons I chose pharmacy was th…

Reclassifying emergency hormonal contraception levonorgestrel from a pharmacy to general sale medicine is not the answer

Instead of making levonorgestrel available to purchase in any retail outlet without medical advice, it would be better to improve emergency hormonal contraception consultations, lower the price of the medicine and make it more easily accessible via national patient group directions.…

Male contraceptive injection effective at preventing pregnancy

A study has shown that a contraceptive injection that suppresses spermatogenesis in around 96% of men is effective at preventing pregnancy, but the trial was halted early owing to side effects, including mood disorders and increased libido.…

GP-prescribed treatments are effective for heavy periods

Most women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding can be safely and effectively treated by their GP and do not need to be referred to secondary care for a surgical intervention, a large study has found.…

Frank P Palopoli (1922–2016)

The scientist who discovered the fertility drug clomifene was known as a modest man who mentored his staff.…

Progesterone accelerates recovery from flu virus

Progesterone was found to enhance recovery from influenza in mice and so could also have benefits for humans during disease outbreaks, say researchers…

Coil as effective as emergency contraception pill, says UK health technology assessment body

Women seeking emergency contraception should be advised that an intrauterine device (IUD, or coil) is more effective than the morning after pill, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) announced on 8 September 2016.…

Drone flies abortion pills to Northern Ireland to highlight its abortion laws

A drone carrying abortion pills landed in Northern Ireland on 21 June 2016 as part of a stunt organised to highlight the strict abortion laws in the province.…