The Lybrel Birth Control Pill
The No Period Contraceptive Actually Causes Bleeding
Approved last year, Wyeth's Lybrel is touted as the no period contraceptive. The FDA and manufacturer warns though that inconvenient bleeding is common.
On May 22, 2007 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wyeth's Lybrel for use as a female contraceptive. The 365 day pill was the first continuous birth control pill, which results in no periods. This loss of the normal female cycle is reflected in the drug’s name; it was to liberate women from their monthly ovulation and subsequent bleeding. There is a problem though. One of the main side effects, and expected occurrences when using the birth control, is inconvenient, breakthrough bleeding.
Low Dose Hormones
The relatively new contraceptive contains low doses of hormones previously used in other pills, a combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. The difference is that there are no placebo pills in the 28 day packs. The hormones are intended to suppress ovulation and thus prevent pregnancy. In clinical trials, very few women had difficulty returning to their regular cycle when stopping the treatment. Most who attempted to, were capable of pregnancy soon after stopping treatment as well.
There are problems with the continuous suppression however. One is not being able to recognize unplanned pregnancies by observing a missed period. There is the same chance for hormone fluctuations with Lybrel as there are with any other contraceptive, which could result in ovulation in some women thus leading to unplanned fertilization and pregnancy. There is also some debate as to the long-term effect of cycle suppression on fertility and natural hormone production.
LYBREL side effects
According to the manufacturer’s website, common side effects of the contraceptive in clinical trials included vaginal bleeding, headache, menstrual cramps, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Breakthrough bleeding is considered a common occurrence by both the manufacturer and the FDA. The FDA press release states, “[T]he convenience of having no regular menstrual periods should be weighed against the inconvenience of unscheduled or unplanned breakthrough bleeding or spotting.” In the studies, only 59% of women achieved amenorrhea (no period bleeding).
Oral Contraceptive Safety
All oral contraceptives, which rely on hormones to prevent pregnancy, have side effects. Serious risks are uncommon, but include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Cigarette smoking increases these risks, especially in women over 35, and women should not smoke if on the medication. Women with certain heart or liver disorders should not take oral contraceptives. Also, breast cancer has been associated with estrogen hormones in some women.
Oral contraceptives do not prevent HIV infection or sexually transmitted diseases. Women who believe that they are pregnant, or are exhibiting symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea and tender breasts, should take a pregnancy test and see a doctor. Women should also consult a healthcare professional if lumps appear in the breasts, severe or sharp chest pains are felt, or if there is pain in the calf of the leg.
