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FDA approves Phexxi for use as an on-demand contraceptive


 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate) to prevent pregnancy in women of reproductive potential.

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Evofem Biosciences expects to release Phexxi – the first nonhormonal, on-demand, vaginal pH regulator contraceptive designed to maintain vaginal pH within the range of 3.5-4.5 – in September 2020 alongside the Phexxi Concierge Experience, a comprehensive patient and health care provider telemedicine support system, according to the company’s press release. The service is designed to provide physicians with on-demand educational support, and to speed and simplify women’s access to Phexxi.

In an open-label multicenter trial, women aged 18-35 with regular menstrual cycles intravaginally administered a 5-gram dose of Phexxi vaginal gel up to 1 hour prior to intercourse; they did so for up to seven cycles. There were 101 pregnancies in 1,183 subjects during 4,769 cycles. The 7-cycle cumulative pregnancy rate was 14% (95% confidence interval: 10.0%, 17.5%).

The most common adverse events associated with Phexxi were vulvovaginal burning sensation, vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal discharge, dysuria, and vulvovaginal pain.

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