The effects of three different regimens of oral contraceptives and three different intrauterine devices on the levels of hemoglobin, serum iron and iron binding capacity in anemic women.

The effects on hemoglobin, iron and iron binding capacity (IBC) in 150 moderately anemic women of 1) a 21-day low-dose combined pill, 2) the same low-dose combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days of an iron-containing pill, 3) the same low-dose combined pill administered for 63 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of no pill intake, 4) Lippes IUD, 5) TCu 220C and 6) Progestasert were studied. The three pill regimens were associated with an increase in hemoglobin and serum iron after 12 months. However, the iron pill and 63-day schedule groups produced an increase in hemoglobin and iron at the 6th month ans a diminution of IBC at 12 months.

Use and acceptance of the "paper pill". A novel approach to oral contraception.

A randomized, crossover study comparing the acceptance of and attitudes towards two dosage forms of the same oral contraceptive product - a paper presentation and the conventional tablet, was carried out in a network of rural and suburban research centers in the State of Durango, México. The results failed to show any significant advantage (in terms of acceptability or continuation) of the paper formulation. Although two-thirds of the participants indicated a preference for the conventional tablet, there was a high degree of acceptance of the paper formulation among new oral contraceptive acceptors.