[india-drug] Re: Are emergency contraceptive pills a necessary evil?(4)

["suneeta mittal" <suneeta_mittal@yahoo.com>]

Are emergency contraceptive pills a necessary evil?(4)
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The attached article has been written without referring to the scientific evidence and is based on opinions of persons who are not necessarily experts in the field, thus several things mentioned are not evidence based or substantiated.

The author seems to have misconceptions about the dosages. WHO multicentre studies in which India also participated have conclusively shown that there is no significant difference in the side effects or efficacy whether the full dose of LNG 1.5 mg is taken as a single dose or two divided doses of 0.75mg each twelve hour apart. (The Lancet, 2002:360;1803-10.)
Similarly adequate studies have been done in India and a National Consensus was given by an expert group before it was decided by DCGI to make it OTC in India.

Instead of labelling it as a necessary evil, we should be aiming at creating public awareness about appropriate and timely usage of emergency contraception.

Prof, Suneeta Mittal
MD, FRCOG(ae), FICOG, FAMS, FICMCH, FIMSA
Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology & 
Director-in Charge, WHO-CCR in Human Reproduction 
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
Tele: (0)91-11-26593378, 26588449, 26593221 (R)91-11-26588547,26594511,26588548, Fax:91-11-26588449 M:09818542111