The newest birth control pill may change the way millions of women take birth control pills. Seasonique is the next phase in extended-regimen oral contraceptives that offers four periods a year.

 

The newest birth control pill may change the way millions of women take birth control pills.

Seasonique is the next phase in extended-regimen oral contraceptives that offers four periods a year in place of placebos.

 

Any woman who can take an oral contraceptive is a candidate for this drug - and when taken as directed, studies show that Seasonique is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Seasonique has demonstrated a low incidence of nuisance side effects, including headache, breast tenderness, and nausea.

As with most birth control, cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35 years old. Oral birth control pills do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It is estimated that more than 16 million women currently use birth control in the United States.