whether the newer low-dose oral contraceptives are less effective

March 2007

Media reports are raising concerns about whether the newer low-dose oral contraceptives are less effective.

There seems to be an increase in pregnancies with the newer pills that contain less than 30 mcg of estrogen.

This works out to 2 pregnancies per 100 women per year on these lower-dose OCs...compared to less than 1 pregnancy with 50 mcg OCs.

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Table of Contents

recommend a bowel prep for patients having a colonoscopy
Supplements People are asking if they should take MORE vitamin D and LESS calcium
Supplements hear more about Cold-fX now that Health Canada will allow more substantial claims
electronic prescribing in Canada
Infectious Diseases recommendations for treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Cardiology new category of antihypertensives called direct renin inhibitors
OTC Products OTC version of orlistat (Xenical) is generating questions
OTC Products OTC brand name product extensions continue to cause confusion
Kidney Disease minimize the risk of kidney damage due to the contrast dyes used for diagnostic tests
Women's Health whether the newer low-dose oral contraceptives are less effective
if their meds can cause weight gain
Smoking Cessation Resolve is a new natural smoking cessation product
Gastroenterology both a proton pump inhibitor PLUS an H2-blocker for GERD