Expanding contraceptive choices: lunelle monthly contraceptive injection

Abstract

Contraceptive options for women have expanded with the FDA approval of a monthly injectable contraceptive. Containing a progestin and estrogen (25 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg estradiol cypionate; Lunelle/Lunella; Pharmacia and Upjohn), this novel once-a-month injection is characterized by the convenience and contraceptive efficacy of long-term reversible methods and the cycle control, return to fertility and side-effect profiles common to low-dose oral contraceptives. The association of these desirable attributes may increase the likelihood that a woman's chosen method will be used consistently and correctly to reduce the frequency of unintended pregnancy.