The effects of three different regimens of oral contraceptives and three different intrauterine devices on the levels of hemoglobin, serum iron and iron binding capacity in anemic women.

The effects on hemoglobin, iron and iron binding capacity (IBC) in 150 moderately anemic women of 1) a 21-day low-dose combined pill, 2) the same low-dose combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days of an iron-containing pill, 3) the same low-dose combined pill administered for 63 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of no pill intake, 4) Lippes IUD, 5) TCu 220C and 6) Progestasert were studied. The three pill regimens were associated with an increase in hemoglobin and serum iron after 12 months. However, the iron pill and 63-day schedule groups produced an increase in hemoglobin and iron at the 6th month ans a diminution of IBC at 12 months. The Lippes and TCu 220C groups did not show any change in hemoglobin, iron or iron binding capacity after 12 months. The Progestasert group showed an increase in hemoglobin and iron levels at 6 and 12 months, and a diminution of IBC at 12 months. The pill and Progestasert have advantages as contraceptives in anemic women.

PIP: The effects on hemoglobin, iron, and iron binding capacity (IBC) in 150 moderately anemic women of 1) a 21-day low-dose combined pill; 2) the same low-dose combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days for an iron-containing pill; 3) the same low-dose combined pill administered for 63 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of no pill intake; 4) Lippes loop IUD; 5) TCu 220C; and 6) Progestasert were studied. The 3 pill regimens were associated with an increase in hemoglobin and serum iron after 12 months. However, the iron pill and 63-day schedule groups produced an increase in hemoglobin and iron at the 6th month and a diminution of IBC (suggesting a replenishment of iron stores) at 12 months. The Lippes Loop and TCu 220C groups did not show any change in hemoglobin, iron, or IBC after 12 months. The Progestasert group showed an increase in hemoglobin and iron levels at 6 and 12 months, and a diminution of IBC at 12 months. The pill and Progestasert have advantages as contraceptives in anemic women.

Use and acceptance of the "paper pill". A novel approach to oral contraception.

A randomized, crossover study comparing the acceptance of and attitudes towards two dosage forms of the same oral contraceptive product - a paper presentation and the conventional tablet, was carried out in a network of rural and suburban research centers in the State of Durango, México. The results failed to show any significant advantage (in terms of acceptability or continuation) of the paper formulation. Although two-thirds of the participants indicated a preference for the conventional tablet, there was a high degree of acceptance of the paper formulation among new oral contraceptive acceptors.

PIP: A randomized, crossover study comparing the acceptance of and attitude towards 2 dosage forms of the same oral contraceptive product -- a paper presentation and the conventional tablet -- was carried out in a network of rural and suburban research centers in the State of Durango, Mexico. 68 women used the paper pill for 3 months and then switched to the tablet for another 3, while 70 women took the tablet 1st and switched to the paper pill. The results failed to show any significant advantage in terms of acceptability or continuation for the paper formulation. Both formulations were perceived as effective and easy to use. 2/3 of the participants indicated a preference for the tablets at the end of the study, but there was a high degree of acceptance of the paper formulation among new oral contraceptive acceptors. The authors believe that an improved paper formulation could be successfully introduced into a national program, if there were substantial savings in cost associated with the "paper pill."