FDA Mandates HIV Warning on Contraceptives

Contraceptive
gels, foams, films, and inserts sold in the United
States will now come with a warning that the products
do not protect against HIV and other sexually
transmitted diseases. The Food and Drug Administration
will require the warning on all over-the-counter products
containing nonoxynol-9, according to Reuters.

"FDA is issuing
this final rule to correct the misconceptions that the
chemical N-9 in these widely available stand-alone
contraceptive products protects against sexually
transmitted diseases," Janet Woodcock, FDA's deputy
commissioner for scientific and medical programs, said
in a statement.

The warning was
proposed in 2003 after a study in Africa and Thailand
found women using the nonoxynol-9-based products were at
higher risk of HIV than those on a placebo. The new
warning states that because the products can irritate
the vagina and rectum they may boost the risk of
contracting HIV/AIDS. (The Advocate)