INTRODUCTION OF CYCLOFEM(R) ONCE-A-MONTH INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVE IN MEXICO

A large introductory study of Cyclofem(R), a once-a-month injectable c ontraceptive, was conducted in three Mexican provinces. A total of 345 7 healthy women participated: 640 women from rural areas (community-ba sed component) and 2817 women from urban and suburban areas (health ce nter-based component). A total of 20,316 women-months of treatment exp erience were accumulated during a one year period. Cyclofem proved its use-effectiveness (pregnancy rate of 0.03%) and its safety under rout ine service conditions of family planning facilities in Mexico. The ov erall life table continuation rate at 1 year was 26.1%. Higher continu ation rates were observed in the community-based component (36.6%) as compared to the health center component (23. 7%). The most common reas on for method discontinuation was change of address. Only 15% of the d iscontinuations were attributable to the injectable contraceptive meth od, with the overall 1 year discontinuation rate for bleeding problems (including amenorrhea) was < 11%. These observations underscore the i mportance of appropriate counseling and follow-up measures, providing convenient access to repeat injections, and other service delivery iss ues related to continuation of Cyclofem. The results of this trial hav e once again demonstrated that Cyclofem is a highly effective method w ith an acceptable side effect profile. In addition, the study provided the elements for its approval by local health authorities and its inc lusion into the Ministry of Health Family Planning Program. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.