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)