WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 2000: Re: OTC BCP's?

Re: OTC BCP's?

From: Robin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 30 Jun 2000 11:56:16 -0500 (CDT)

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At Fri, 30 Jun 2000, AMD wrote: >
>Maybe they can be "sorta" OTC. They are behind the pharmacy counter and
>you need a photo id. If you're < 15 or > 35, you need a prescription.

Hi Andrea,

That is a good thought that if you are younger than 15 or older than 35, you would need an Rx, but what about those that have problems that would restrict the use of the pill in those within that age category, yet they wanted the pill and still got it? Unfortunately, there are young women that have had strokes in their 20's, so they should not take OCP's. I had blood clots last year (Age 33), which means I can not take the OCP's.

I personally think there are too many variables here, and while many would like to have the OCP's OTC, too many people are at risk of having problems, and it just isn't worth it.

>Of course, how many women would NEVER go for a pap/pelvic if they didn't
>want BCP's?? On the other hand, how often does the pelvic or pap give
>reason to not prescribe BCP's? Or can most of the potential problems be
>assessed on history and a less invasive exam? Is there a legitimate
>medical reason to require a pelvic/breast/pap to prescribe birth control
>pills?

I know a woman that was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25. The lump was found on exam....good reason for having a breast exam (even though they say most breast lumps are found by the woman). If I am not mistaken (and Drs. please correct me if I am wrong), reproductive cancers also do not allow for a woman to be on OCP's. While they may not be a common finding in young women, they still exist.

I just think one could be playing russian roulette with their lives if OCP's were OTC.

Another thought too....drugs that have gone from being an Rx to being OTC sometimes don't have the same amount of active ingredient in them once they become OTC. I wouldn't want to take an OCP that could potentially cause the one thing that I am trying to avoid (I know that there is still a chance of pregnancy now, but that risk is minimal, maybe 1%). If they reduce the amount of active ingredient that is in the OCP, I would think that the pregnancy rate would be even higher.

Okay.....just my .02.....I will close now.

--
Robin

>Just food for thought...
>
>Andrea
>
>At Fri, 30 Jun 2000, R. Daniel Braun, MD wrote:
>>
>>At Fri, 30 Jun 2000, Kristy wrote:
>>>
>>>How true, but of course it's been quite a long time since I've ever looked at the prices of OTC yeast creams like Monistat.  Thanks for the insight!!  How safe would it be to have Oral Contraceptives be sold as OTC in the near future?
>>>
>>>Kristy :)
>>
>>That is very dificult to know.  That is why it is taking the FDA so long
>>to make a decision.  Whichever way they go, someone will get hurt.
>>
>>RDB
>>
>>--
>>R.Daniel Braun, MD  FACOG   FOG
>>
>>**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
>>and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
>>This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
>>consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
>>and/or interventions.
>>
>>**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
>>consequently no private emails will receive a response.
>>
>>**Thank you for your understanding ;-)
>>
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next message: chiarasilvio: "c-section questions"
Previous message: Heidi: "urge FDA approval of mifepristone"
In reply to: AMD: "Re: OTC BCP's?"
Next in thread: AMD: "Re: OTC BCP's?"
Reply: AMD: "Re: OTC BCP's?"
Reply: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: c-section questions"
Reply: D. Ashley Hill, MD: "Re: OTC BCP's?"
Reply: Claudia Twisdale RN: "Re: c-section questions"

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