INDICATIONS AND USAGE
1. IndicationsProgestin-only oral contraceptives are indicated for the
prevention of pregnancy.
2. EfficacyIf used perfectly, the first-year failure rate for progestin-only
oral contraceptives is 0.5%. However, the typical failure rate is estimated to
be closer to 5%, due to late or omitted pills. Table 1 lists the pregnancy rates
for users of all major methods of contraception.
Table 1: Percentage of Women Experiencing an Unintended Pregnancy
During the First Year of Typical Use and the First Year of Perfect Use of
Contraception and the Percentage Continuing Use at the End of the First Year.
United States.
% of Women Experiencing anUnintended Pregnancy
within theFirst Year of Use
% of WomenContinuing Use atOne Year*
Method(1)
Typical Use
(2)
Perfect Use
(3)
(4)
Chance#
85
85
Spermicides
26
6
40
Periodic abstinence
25
63
Calendar
9
Ovulation Method
3
Sympto-Thermal
2
Post-Ovulation
1
Cap
Parous Women
40
26
42
Nulliparous Women
20
9
56
Sponge
Parous Women
40
20
42
Nulliparous Women
20
9
56
Diaphragm
20
6
56
Withdrawal
19
4
Condom
Female (Reality)
21
5
56
Male
14
3
61
Pill
5
71
Progestin Only
0.5
Combined
0.1
IUD
Progesterone T
2.0
1.5
81
Copper T380A
0.8
0.6
78
LNg 20
0.1
0.1
81
Depo-Provera
0.3
0.3
70
Norplant and Norplant-2
0.05
0.05
88
Female Sterilization
0.5
0.5
100
Male Sterilization
0.15
0.10
100
Adapted from Hatcher et al, 1998, Ref. # 1.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Treatment initiated within 72 hours after
unprotected intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy by at least 75%.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method: LAM is highly effective, temporary method of
contraception.
Source: Trussell J, Contraceptive efficacy. In Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart
F, Cates W, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, Contraceptive Technology: Seventeenth
Revised Edition. New York NY: Irvington Publishers, 1998.
*Among couples attempting to avoid pregnancy, the percentage who continue to
use a method for one yearAmong typical couples who initiate use of a
method (not necessarily for the first time), the percentage who experience an
accidental pregnancy during the first year if they do not stop use for any other
reason. Among couples who initiate use of a method (not necessarily for the first
time) and who use it perfectly (both consistently and
correctly), the percentage who experience an accidental pregnancy during the
first year if they do not stop use for any other reason.The treatment schedule is one dose within 72 hours after unprotected
intercourse, and a second dose 12 hours after the first dose. The Food and Drug
Administration has declared the following brands of oral contraceptives to be
safe and effective for emergency contraception: Ovral (1 dose is 2 white
pills), Alesse (1 dose is 5 pink pills), Nordette or Levlen (1 dose is 2
light-orange pills), Lo/Ovral (1 dose is 4 white pills), Triphasil or
Tri-Levlen (1 dose is 4 yellow pills).However, to maintain effective protection against pregnancy, another method
of contraception must be used as soon as menstruation resumes, the frequency or
duration of breastfeeds is reduced, bottle feeds are introduced, or the baby
reaches six months of age.#The percents becoming pregnant in columns (2) and (3) are based on data from
populations where contraception is not used and from women who cease using
contraception in order to become pregnant. Among such populations, about 89%
become pregnant within one year. This estimate was lowered slightly (to 85%) to
represent the percent who would become pregnant within one year among women now
relying on reversible methods of contraception if they abandoned contraception
altogether.Foams, creams, gels, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film.Cervical mucus (ovulation) method supplemented by calendar in the
pre-ovulatory and basal body temperature in the post-ovulatory phases.With spermicidal cream or jelly.Without spermicides.
ORTHO MICRONOR Tablets have not
been studied for and are not indicated for use in emergency
contraception.