Reports on FDA Consideration of Birth Control

The Washington Post is reporting outcomes of the FDA's consideration of newer low-dose birth control pills, although the details are not yet up on the FDA website. According to the article, "Food and Drug Administration advisers refused this week to recommend a set standard on how often next-generation pills would have to fail for them to be denied federal approval...Instead, the panel of outside experts recommended the agency keep an open mind to approving less-effective pills that could offer other important benefits, such as reduced risk of blood clots and stroke."

This FDA briefing document provides background information on the meeting and concerns about lower-dose oral contraceptives.