Powerful Arthritis Drug Boosts Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong has found that emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B, are more effective when taken in conjunction with the common anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam. The study, which was published in The Lancet, revealed that combining piroxicam with levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in emergency contraceptives, resulted in approximately 30% more prevented pregnancies compared to the contraceptive taken alone.
Levonorgestrel has been shown to lower the chances of pregnancy by up to 89% when taken within three days of unprotected sex. However, its real-world effectiveness is often lower. The researchers are optimistic that these findings could lead to a more effective emergency contraceptive option that could help prevent more unwanted pregnancies.
Kelly Cleland, the executive director of the American Society for Emergency Contraception, expressed excitement about the study’s results and the potential for this combination to provide a valuable tool in preventing pregnancies.
The importance of emergency contraception and birth control has escalated as several US states impose restrictions on abortion. A recent federal appeals court ruling further limited access to the abortion pill mifepristone, underscoring the need for alternative options.
Jennifer Kerns, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the significance of expanding people’s choices to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex, particularly in a country where access to abortion is limited. She also stressed the importance of offering these options earlier in the timeline to enhance their efficacy.
The clinical trial conducted by researchers in Hong Kong marked the first investigation into the effects of combining COX inhibitors, a type of anti-inflammatory medication that includes piroxicam, with levonorgestrel for preventing pregnancies. While piroxicam is only available by prescription, it has a well-established safety profile and is commonly stocked at pharmacies.
The study involved over 800 women who received either levonorgestrel with a placebo or levonorgestrel with piroxicam within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The group that received the combination treatment reported only one pregnancy, while the placebo group reported seven pregnancies. Both groups experienced similar side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and lower abdominal pain.
Levonorgestrel, also known as the morning-after pill, can be obtained over the counter and is used as a backup when other forms of birth control have failed. By imitating a hormone that suppresses ovulation, levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy from occurring if ovulation has not already taken place.
Certain factors, including weight and medication interactions, may potentially impact the pill’s efficacy. For example, evidence suggests that the morning-after pill may be less reliable for individuals weighing over 165 pounds. Therefore, this study’s results should be interpreted alongside the understanding that it was conducted on a relatively homogeneous patient population and may not fully reflect the demographics of the United States.
Experts are calling for further research to better comprehend how piroxicam helps prevent ovulation. The ability to slightly improve the efficacy of avoiding pregnancy through such interventions is promising and warrants further investigation.
In conclusion, the study conducted by the University of Hong Kong highlights the potential of combining piroxicam, a commonly used arthritis drug, with levonorgestrel to enhance the effectiveness of emergency contraception. This discovery could offer a valuable option for preventing unwanted pregnancies, particularly in regions with limited access to abortion services. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the mechanism behind these findings and to ensure the safe and optimal use of these medications.
