Abstract

PIP: Pharmaceutical are in the headlines again with oral contraceptives as the latest example. "No inhibitions" was the headline in an article in the Frankfurter Zeitung on March 8, 1989, in which the producers of minipills were presented as advertising to young boys and girls with an aggressive uninhibited theme of love without regret. In spite of its low hormone concentration which gave rise to the hope for a diminished risk of thrombosis, there have been increasing reports of cases of thromboembolic complications following administration of the minipill. A bitter competition had broken out among the manufacturers of these contraceptives. Based on pharmacokinetics studies on a relatively small number of women, speculations had been published on the advantages and disadvantages of various preparations; the lay press took up the theme enthusiastically. The result is confusion on all sides. Another headline, "abortion with 3-phase preparations," was the occasion for a reply by gynecologist Dr. A.T. Teichmann, who indicates that 3-phase preparations under proper dosage prevent conception by hindering ovulation. With improper dosage an ovulation and thus fertilization cannot be ruled out. The 3-phase preparation can then hinder the nidation of the fertilized egg. The result being a undesired abortion from improper usage. Many mistakes--and therefore many of the headlines which upset patients--could certainly be avoided if pharmaceutical knowledge were used better and if the pharmacist were relied upon more as a link and as an adviser between the physician and the patient.