Contraception 2000: Lunelle(TM), an injectable combination contraceptive option

Contraceptive choices for women in the United States will soon expand with the expected Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval (in early summer 2000) of a once-a-month injectable combination contraceptive. Containing 25 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg estradiol cypionate (MPA/E2C) (Lunelle(TM)/Lunella(TM), Pharmacia and Upjohn, Peapack, NJ), this monthly injectable method combines the convenience and contraceptive efficacy of long-acting steroid methods with the cycle control, return to fertility, and side effect profile more typical of combination low-dose oral contraceptives. The introduction of this novel contraceptive will expand the number of safe, convenient, and effective contraceptives, and it may be used and accepted by women who are not or have not been inclined to use an available reversible contraceptive method in a correct and consistent manner.