Women A New Choice Of Only Four Periods A Year (NAPSA)—The birth control pill—which transformed women’s lives 40 years ago by giving them the ability to effectively control reproduction—ispoised for a revolution. A new way...now available by prescription is SEASONALE (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) 0.15 mg/0.03 mg tablets, the first and only extended-cycle oral contraceptive regimen indicated for pregnancy prevention and designed to reduce the number of periods from 13 to 4 per year. Research indicates that women are ready for SEASONALE. A recent survey of 1,400 women conducted by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals found that the vast majority—71 percent— consider periods to be a bothersome monthly event, while 75 percent believe men have a real advantage in not having a monthly period. A similar study conducted by Roper ASW found that two-thirds of women would be interested in reducing their periods to four times per year. “SEASONALE is my birth control method of choice,” said Angela, a SEASONALE clinical trial participant. “With my active lifestyle, I enjoy the freedom of having my period only four times a year.” SEASONALE is a 91-day regimen taken daily as 84 active tablets of 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel/0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol, followed by seven inactive tablets. By contrast, traditional oral contraceptives are based on a 28-day regimen. There is an increased recognition among researchers andclinicians that there is no medically necessary reason for women on oral contraceptives to have a monthly period. Clinical studies to date have shown no increased Women now have more choices to help them take control of their bodies and their health. health risks with SEASONALE compared with a 28-day birth control pill. “Women on oral contraceptives do not need to bleed every month,” said Anita L. Nelson, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. “For many women, a monthly period is an inconvenience; for others it is incapacitating, due to symptoms from conditions such as endometriosis, menstrual migraines, and extremely painful cramps. Women who are seeking contraception should speak to their health care professional to see if SEASONALEis a good option for them.” For additional information about SEASONALE, please call 1800-719-3687 or visit www.sea sonale.com and www.knowyour period.com. Please see full Prescribing Information. * When prescribing SEASONALE, the convenience of fewer planned menses (4 per year instead of 13 per year) should be weighed against the inconvenience of increased intermenstrual bleeding and/or spotting.
