In 2013, the FDA approved a smaller number of new drugs compared to the number of approvals in 2012, which was a record-setting year. However, even though there was a smaller number of approvals overall, there were significant developments in the contraception and birth control category of drugs. The contraception and birth control category of drugs is one of the most actively developed categories of drugs. In 2013, the approvals and updates included approval of new drugs, moves to over-the-counter and approval to variations of drugs. Read on below to get more information about the developments in contraception and birth control in 2013. Staying informed about the latest medication available could allow you to find a better fit for your medical needs. Consult your doctor and get more information about the drugs below before making any decisions about changing your medication regimen.
Skyla Approved
In January of 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Skyla a new birth control prescription that is used for the prevention of pregnancy for up to three years. Skyla is a new intrauterine device similar to Mirena. Skyla is placed inside the uterus where it releases a low dose hormone to prevent pregnancy. Skyla is actually made by the same pharmaceutical company as Mirena and ParaGard. The main difference between Skyla and Mirena is the indication that Skyla can be used for only up to 3 years and Mirena can be used for up to 5 years. Also, the Skyla device has a smaller frame and is slightly lower-dose. Skyla can be used by women whether or not they have had a child.
Quartette Approved
Quartette, a new oral contraceptive, was approved in March of 2013. Quartette is manufactured by Teva who claims that the new drug represents the next generation of extended-regimen oral contraception. Typically, extended-regimen oral contraception refers to birth control that provides active hormones for an extended cycle of time. This leads to fewer periods throughout the year. Quartette is a 91-day cycle and the dose of hormones provides for four short and light periods throughout the year. One of the issues patients have with extended-regimen contraception is breakthrough bleeding. Quartette was designed to reduce breakthrough bleeding which is one of the reasons women discontinue extended-regimen contraception.
Plan B One-Step Developments
Plan B One-Step, the emergency contraceptive, went through two additional approvals in 2013. The first change, which occurred in April, allowed for Teva, the manufacturer of Plan B One-Step, to market the drug for use without a prescription by women 15 years or older. After this approval, Plan B One-Step was able to be purchased, with age verification, by any women 15 or older. Additionally, Plan B One-Step didn’t have to be behind the prescription counter any more opening it up for purchase beyond normal pharmacy working hours. Later in 2013, in June, the FDA approved the use of Plan B One-Step for all women of child-bearing potential. This allows the emergency contraception to be sold without age or point-of-sale restrictions.
Lo Minastrin Fe Approved
Lo Minastrin was a new contraceptive drug approved in July of 2013. Manufactured by Warner Chilcott, this new birth control medication is somewhat unique because it is provided in chewable tablet form. These blue mint-flavored chewable tablets offer women another oral contraceptive option.
This represents some of the major developments that happened in birth control in 2013. Stay tuned to the HelpRx blog for 2014 developments. With the birth control category of drugs being one of the most actively developed groups of prescription medications, there will definitely be major updates in 2014. For more information about your birth control options and for free coupons & discounts, visit our Birth Control category page.
