First and only FDA-approved chewable birth control pill is now available from your doctor.

Good news to chew on today for the more than 11 million U.S. women who take birth control pills. Now an FDA approved chewable pill will provide a tasty alternative to more traditional oral contraceptives. Sarah Bottoms has more on the new treatment option.

The spearmint-flavored pills, formerly named Ovcon 35 chewable, is now called Femcon Fe, and can be chewed or swallowed whole.

 

"The new chewable pill gives women a convenient and reliable new option for birth control. We know that research has shown compliance directly impacts oral contraceptive failure rates, so anything we can do to make it easier for our patients to maintain a daily regimen is important, says Dr. Laurent Delli-Bovi, Medical Director of Women's Health Services at the Chestnut Hill Family Planning Facility in Boston.

In the study submitted for FDA approval, Femcon Fe was chewed or swallowed whole, followed by an 8 ounce glass of liquid. The chewable pill contains the same hormones found in other combination oral contraceptives and is available in a 28-day regimen.

Like other oral contraceptives, the new birth control pill is also 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.

To learn more, ask your doctor or visit www.wcrx.com for full prescribing information. 

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