Combined injectable contraceptive

Combined Injectable Contraceptive
Background
Birth control type	Hormonal
First use	about 1980
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect use	0-0.2%
Typical use	?
Usage
Duration effect	1 month
User reminders	?
Advantages and disadvantages
STD protection	No
Benefits	Especially good if poor pill compliance.

Combined injectable contraceptive (CIC) monthly injection of a progestin and a synthetic estrogen taken to suppress fertility. Brand names include Cyclofem, Novafem, Mesigyna, Lunelle and Cyclo-Provera.

DMPA is a different injectable contraceptive, containing just a progestin, given every three months.

History

• October 5, 2000, Pharmacia received FDA approval for Lunelle Monthly Contraceptive Injection.
• April 2003, Pharmacia acquired by Pfizer (makers of Depo-Provera (DMPA)).
• October 2003, Lunelle was discontinued in the U.S.

Use and packaging

Administered by intramuscular injection into the deltoid, gluteus maximus, or anterior thigh. Ideally administered every 28 to 30 days, though demonstrated to be effective up to 33 days.

Side-effects

The most prominent side effects are menstrual irregularities during the first 3 to 6 months of use.

Formulations

• Lunelle contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 25 mg plus estradiol cypionate (E2C) 5 mg.
• Cyclofem contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) 25 mg and estradiol cypionate 5 mg.
• Mesigyna contains norethisterone enanthate (NET EN) 50 mg and estradiol valerate 5 mg.
• Deladroxate contains dihydroxy-progesterone acetophenide 150 mg and estradiol enanthate 10 mg.

See also

• Concept Foundation
• Extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive
• Depo-Provera, a Long-acting reversible contraceptive that is injected every 3 months.
• Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition