The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Femlyv (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol), marking the first orally disintegrating tablet for the prevention of pregnancy. This new formulation provides an alternative for individuals who have difficulty swallowing traditional pills.
Janet Maynard, M.D., M.H.S., director of the Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated, "Femlyv is the first FDA-approved dissolvable birth control pill, designed for individuals who have trouble swallowing their medication. There are many variables that might cause someone to have difficulty swallowing. This drug provides another treatment option and expands access to this form of contraception for individuals who may have experienced those challenges."
Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, the active ingredients in Femlyv, have been available in the U.S. as a swallowable tablet for pregnancy prevention since 1968. Femlyv offers a new administration route that may improve adherence for some users.
The most common adverse reactions associated with Femlyv include headache, vaginal candidiasis, nausea, menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bacterial vaginitis, abnormal cervical smear, acne, mood swings, and weight gain. Healthcare professionals are advised to consult the full prescribing information for comprehensive details on the safety and effectiveness of Femlyv.
