By Park Si-soo
Pfizer Pharmaceutical Korea has launched a long-acting contraceptive injection Sayana. It makes women of childbearing age free from worries over unplanned pregnancy for three months with one shot.
This is the first contraceptive of this kind available in the domestic market. A doctor’s prescription is required.
The subcutaneous injection has to be administered into the thigh or abdomen by a doctor or nurse.
“Women forgetting to take their contraceptive pill every day is one of the most common causes of an unplanned pregnancy,” said Kim Sun-ah, executive director of the firm’s established products business unit. “It provides an attractive and effective option for women with busy lifestyles looking for the convenience of a long-lasting contraceptive.”
The firm said the drug’s effectiveness was proven through several large-scale clinical studies, including the biggest one of 2,042 women of childbearing age.
But there is also a warning that Sayana can cause bones to become thinner by reducing bone marrow density.