Women today lead very active lives and, for many, convenience and portability are key to maintaining their daily routines. But do "on-the-go" women have their priorities confused? When given the choice of several "must have" items, a new nationwide survey of women taking oral contraceptives has found that 81 percent of respondents named their cell phones as the one item they would carry with them at all times, while only seven percent said the same about daily medications including their birth control pill.

"Convenience is a top priority for active women who are looking for practical solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles," said Steven Nakajima, MD, Associate Professor and Division Chief, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. "The good news is that there is a chewable oral contraceptive, called Femcon Fe, that may be an ideal option for the woman 'on-the-go' because it offers added convenience and when taken as directed, has the same reliability as the traditional pill."

According to the survey, 87 percent of women taking oral contraceptives are looking for products or services that will provide more convenience in their everyday lives. In fact, two in three women polled said that they would miss their oral contraceptive less often if it was easier to take and another sixty-seven percent of respondents liked the idea of having a pill that offered the flexibility of chewing or taking it with or without water.

"We know that busy lives can interfere with adherence to medication schedules and that missing oral contraceptives can increase the risk of pregnancy. That's why an oral contraceptive that is convenient, portable and has increased ease-of-use is an advantage for today's busy woman," continued Dr. Nakajima.

Product Flexibility Is Key For Busy Schedules

A nationwide survey showed that women, ages 18 - 49, who take oral contraceptives,

-- Lead active lifestyles: 78 percent of women surveyed said that they have "active lifestyles"; two-thirds spend more than half of their waking hours outside the home -- Have non-routine schedules: Nearly half (40 percent) do not follow a regular schedule on weekdays -- Want tools that provide convenience: 87 percent are looking for products or services that will provide more convenience in their everyday lives -- Would miss medication less often if it was easier to take: 60 percent report missing or forgetting to take at least one pill in a typical month; of these, 68 percent said they would miss their oral contraceptive pill less often if it was easier to take

About Femcon Fe

Femcon Fe is the first and only FDA-approved chewable birth control pill and is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. The spearmint-flavored tablets, which can be chewed or swallowed whole, are designed to provide a convenient option for women "on-the-go" who choose the pill as their primary method of contraception. When chewed, the pill should be followed by a full glass of liquid. Whether chewed or swallowed, when taken as directed, Femcon Fe is expected to be as effective as other combination oral contraceptives in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Femcon Fe potential side effects are similar to those seen with other progestin/estrogen combination oral contraceptives. Serious risks include an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Cigarette smoking by women, especially over age 35, increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases. Women and healthcare professionals who would like to learn more about Femcon Fe, including full Prescribing Information, should visit www.chewablepill.com.

About Oral Contraceptives' Widespread Use and Multiple Benefits

The first oral contraceptive pill was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960. Today, more than 11 million American women are currently taking an oral contraceptive, and research shows that 80 percent of all U.S. women born since 1945 have used the pill. When taken correctly, oral contraceptives are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives may provide benefits other than prevention of unintended pregnancy including protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers, benign breast disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and iron-deficiency anemia. Improvement of dysmenorrhea, irregular or excessive bleeding, acne and endometriosis-associated pain is also associated with oral contraceptive therapy. Some experts also believe that oral contraceptives may prevent functional ovarian cysts and reduce the risk of different types of cancer.