The Contraceptive Sponge Is Coming Back
The contraceptive sponge making a comeback: The Today contraceptive sponge, a product that drew a small but fiercely loyal group of female users earlier this decade, will soon be available again in the United States. The sponge will be reintroduced by Allendale Pharmaceuticals Inc., which bought the rights to the product from the manufacturer that had withdrawn it due to production problems.
At one time, the sponge was the most popular nonprescription contraceptive in the country. Consumers tended to like it because it allows for more spontaneous sexual activity than condoms. It also has few side effects. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, however, and it has a relatively high failure rate, about 10%.
Federal authorities will have to inspect Allendale Pharmaceutical’s production facilities before manufacturing can begin. That is expected to happen this summer with the product reaching stores by fall. The sponge will sell in packs of six for about $2 per sponge.
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Latex condoms safer than polyurethane: While latex has been the standard material for condoms, more polyurethane condoms have been introduced in recent years for consumers who don’t like latex or are allergic to it. However, a new study comparing the two types of condoms shows that the latex ones are less likely to break and slip, according to the California Family Health Council in Los Angeles. Both latex and polyurethane were found to be equally protective. But breakage or slippage occurred in 8.5% of the polyurethane condom users, compared with less than 2% of the latex users. Men tended to be more satisfied with the latex condom as well.
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First medication for social anxiety disorder approved: The antidepressant Paxil can now be prescribed for social anxiety disorder, a malady in which people are so shy that they have trouble functioning in social or performance situations. The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Paxil, which is made by Smith-Kline Beecham, might spur more doctors to diagnose social anxiety disorders or lead more people into treatment. Studies showed that Paxil was effective in relieving the fear and tension associated with social anxiety disorder in 69% of patients. More information on the disorder can be obtained by calling the Social Anxiety Disorder Coalition at (800) 934-6276.
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Making therapy easier for HIV patients: HIV patients taking the protease inhibitor Fortovase (saquinavir) can obtain a pill-dispensing kit called the FortoPac for no cost with their next prescription.
The pill dispensing kit is a box-like container holding mini-drawers that can be individually removed to carry an afternoon dose to work, for example. The product should help patients who have complicating dosing regimens organize and remember their therapy schedule.
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An advancement on home fertility monitoring: A new over-the-counter fertility test should help women trying to become pregnant detect ovulation more precisely. The ClearPlan Easy Fertility Monitor, from Unipath Diagnostics Co., features a small electronic monitor that keeps track of your cycle and tells you when to test urine for the presence of hormones that predict ovulation.
This is all information that a woman can calculate easily for herself with a little knowledge about when ovulation occurs. But for women with very busy schedules, the monitor is a handy reminder.
And, the ClearPlan Easy test measures two hormones that control fertility while most home fertility tests measure only one hormone. The monitor also allows for a longer testing period.
The cost of the kit is hefty, $199.99, although it can be kept for years to assist in planning subsequent pregnancies. A package of replacement test sticks (20 are in the original packet) costs about $50.
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State to debate immunizing kids against Hepatitis A: Efforts are underway to bring massive hepatitis A vaccination to California children. In February, a federal advisory panel recommended that states--including California--with a high incidence of hepatitis A develop a routine vaccination program for children. A bill has been introduced in the California State Assembly mandating vaccinations for all children entering kindergarten.
The fate of the bill is uncertain. Some health experts worry about adding another vaccine to the crowded childhood immunization schedule. Others advocate are waiting until a combination vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B is available. Such a vaccine is under investigation.
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Shari Roan can be reached by e-mail at Shari.Roan@latimes.com.
