Letter to the Editor

User-Friendly Medication Packaging: The Birth Control Pill Story

Authors: Sujeeth Shanmugam, BS, Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD

Abstract

To the Editor: Birth control pills (BCPs) have been a popular method of contraception since 1960. Failure to adhere to the daily treatment regimen can result in treatment failure. BCP packaging has evolved over time to promote better adherence. We reviewed the relationship between BCP packaging and effectiveness over time.
Posted in: Family Planning & Reproductive Health14

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Pincus G, Garcia CR, Rock J, et al. Effectiveness of an oral contraceptive; effects of a progestin-estrogen combination upon fertility, menstrual phenomena, and health. Science 1959;130:81–83.
 
2. Liggins GC. The effect of variation in estrogen dosage on the pregnancy rate during sequential oral contraception. Fertil Steril 1967;18:191–197.
 
3. Potter LS. How effective are contraceptives? The determination and measurement of pregnancy rates. Obstet Gynecol 1996;88(3 Suppl):13S–23S.
 
4. Barnett C, Dinger J, Minh TD, et al. Unintended pregnancy rates differ according to combined oral contraceptive— results from the INAS-SCORE Study. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2019;24:247–250.
 
5. Creinin MD, Jensen JT, Chen MJ, et al. Combined oral contraceptive adherence and pregnancy rates. Obstet Gynecol 2023;141:989–994.