FDA Approves New Morning-After Pill; Good for upto 5 days

August 15th 2010

FDA approves emergency contraceptive drug 'ella', which can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex

FDA approved another contraceptive drug which can be used even after 5 days of unprotected intercourse. The bar is raised against Plan B which diminishes the effects of pregnancy even after three days. Plan B is readily available over the counter (OTC) for 17 years and above women.

The drug was approved without much political, religious and medical controversy; it diminishes the effects of pregnancy before fertilization. The red tape did have a considerable debate against its mysterious working but already a success in Europe, the French drug will be available in California and New Jersey by end of 2010 and will be distributed by Watson Pharmaceuticals.

The drug named Ella has side-effects such as mild to moderate headache, nausea, abdominal pain, painful menstrual cramps, fatigue and dizziness.

Half of all pregnancies in U.S. are intended.