The new oral contraceptive will focus attention on avoiding mix-ups between Natazia and all the older birth control pills.
There are now more than 30 birth control pill formulations...plus often several generics for each brand.
Product selection. Each birth control pill has a precise balance of hormones. Natazia is the first pill to contain a new estrogen and progestin combo...estradiol valerate and dienogest.
Specific hormone doses often vary through the cycle in "phases" to help decrease side effects...breakthrough bleeding, spotting, etc.
Natazia is the first FOUR-phase birth control pill...the estradiol dose steps down...and dienogest dose steps up during the cycle.
To ensure patients get the intended pill, verify the product name and NDC on order entry and when pulling drugs off the shelf.
Watch out for look-alike, sound-alike contraceptives...Junel 1/20 and Junel Fe 1/20, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, etc.
Generic substitution. Many pills have more than one equivalent brand...and each brand may have its own generic. The catch is that the generics often have their own brand names.
For example, an Rx written for brand Ortho-Cept or Desogen is usually filled with an equivalent generic...Apri, Reclipsen, or Solia.
The key is knowing which products are okay to substitute for each other. This will vary depending on the pill...and your state law.
To help identify similar products, use our new Comparison of Oral Contraceptives chart. Check with the pharmacist if you're unsure.
Days' supply. Most packs last 28 days...but there are exceptions.
For example, women who want to skip the week of placebo pills may start a new pack every 3 weeks...giving a 21-day supply. Watch for this to require an override or prior auth for insurance payment.
Instead of the usual 7-day hormone free interval, Natazia has 4 estrogen-only tabs plus 2 placebos...but it's still a 28-day supply.
For help on labeling and avoiding mix-ups or drug interactions, get our Technician Training Tutorial: Dispensing Oral Contraceptives.
View Detail-Document #260706 |
What's a Detail Document?
Learn more about Pharmacy Technician's Letter
Subscribe to the entire Pharmacy Technician's Letter service
Copyright © 2010 Pharmacy Technician's Letter. Illegal to reproduce and/or forward.
PharmacyTechniciansLetter.com |
