Alternative Medicines

FDA Approves New Contraceptive Pill Lybrel

The FDA approves an oral contraceptive that also eliminates menstruation. Wyeth's oral contraceptive Lybrel is now approved by the FDA to eliminate monthly menstrual periods. The drug has a lower level of synthetic hormones than other oral contraceptives and must be taken 365 days a year. According to a study by Wyeth, 59 percent of women had no periods after six months but 18% dropped out due to menstrual spotting.