How does the Sponge work?
The Today Contraceptive Sponge creates a barrier over the cervix. It is circular, about three-quarters of an inch thick, and two inches in diameter. The Sponge prevents pregnancy by releasing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 over a 24-hour period. The Sponge would cost $6 for a three-pack, or $20 for a box of twelve.Before Detroyer and his company could release the Today Contraceptive Sponge back on the market certain changes to the packaging had to be made to meet changes that had occurred over the five years that the Sponge was off the market. The changes included Allendale to specifically state possible side effects including vaginal irritation and the extremely slight risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). And the new manufacturing plant needed to be inspected before the Sponge could be returned to the market.
Unfortunately, although Allendale has met the packaging requirements, the FDA has lagged on inspecting the plant. The FDA has scheduled and cancelled two appointments since July 2000 to inspect the Allendale plant in Mainland, PA. And despite the fact that Allendale has met all the requirements of the Canadian government, the FDA refuses to allow the company to ship to Canada.
According to Mr. Detroyer the Sponge could be on the shelf of your local store within one month of plant inspection by the FDA. But Allendale Pharmaceuticals is quickly running out of money, paying over $75,000 monthly in salaries and other costs without a product for sale. With less than a million left in the bank, and still no inspection date with the FDA, there is a great chance that the Today Contraceptive Sponge will never make it back to the market.
Gene Detroyer believes in the Sponge, and he believes women want and should have this OTC, non-hormonal contraceptive choice available. Do you want to see the Today Contraceptive Sponge available as a choice for women? Time is running out for women everywhere who want this non-hormonal contraceptive option.
How can you help bring the Sponge back on the market?
Write
to the FDA.
Tell them that you want the option of
choosing the Today Contraceptive Sponge.
Send
your letters by regular mail, email, or fax to:
Dr. Susan Wood, Director
Office of Women's Health
FDA
Bldg. PKLN, Room 1665, HF-8
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: 301.827.0350 Fax: 301.827.0926
Email: [Email=swood1@oc.fda.gov]swood1@oc.fda.gov[/Email]
Involve
your elected
representatives.
Write letters, call your local federal representative's
offices, and email them.
Learn more about the Today Contraceptive Sponge!
Good news... the Today Contraceptive Sponge is now available over-the-counter in both Canada and the United States.
updated 12/07/03
