Saheli (Centchroman)

April 24, 2011 Leave a comment

Saheli The non hormonal contraceptive (Weekly oral contraceptive pill) Central drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow has developed the molecule Centchroman which was marketed by HLL under the brand name Saheli. Introduced in 1991, Saheli has the unique distinction of being the worlds first non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill. It is also unique since it is an indigenously developed drug the first of its kind. For being non steroidal, Saheli does not have the short term side effects like nausea, vomiting, weight gain etc. which are commonly reported with the other oral contraceptive pills. The only side effects reported with Saheli (Centchroman) is the delay in the menstrual cycles in around 8% of the cases. Besides its use as a safe contraceptive for long term use, Saheli is also shown to be beneficial for treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding, osteoporosis and pre-menstrual syndrome and as a drug for lowering lipid levels in the blood. Composition: Each tablet contains centchroman 30 mg Active Ingredient: Ormeloxifene is a SERM, or selective estrogen receptor modulator. In some parts of the body, its action is estrogenic (e.g, bones), in other parts of the body, its action is anti-estrogenic (e.g., uterus, breasts. It causes an asynchrony in the menstrual cycle between ovulation and the development of the uterine lining, although its exact mode of action is not well defined. In clinical trials, it caused ovulation to occur later than it normally would in some women (Singh 2001), but did not affect ovulation in the majority of women, while causing the lining of the uterus to build more slowly. It speeds the transport of any fertilized egg through the fallopian tubes more quickly than is normal (Singh 2001). Presumably, this combination of effects creates an environment such that if fertilization occurs, implantation will not be possible. Mechanism of Action: The molecule centchroman offers a unique combination of weak estrogenic and potent anti estrogenic properties. Due to this subtle mix of estrogenic and anti

estrogenic action it inhibits the fertilized ovum from nidation and thus prevents pregnancy, but at the same time, it does not appear to disturb the other estrogen effects. Use of Saheli (Centchroman) as a contraceptive has been extensively evaluated in more than 2000 women of the reproductive age groups who wanted to space their children. Intensive monitoring by clinical examination, hematology and biochemical tests as well as laparoscopy and ultra sonographic examinations of ovaries and uterus have shown the drug to be quite safe. Babies born to use failure cases have shown normal milestones. The contraceptive effect is readily reversible and subsequent pregnancy and its outcome is normal. It scores over steroidal contraceptive pills because it does not disturb the endocrine system and the normal ovulatory cycle is maintained. Dosage: This pill is to be taken twice a week on fixed days for the first three months, followed by one pill in a week thereafter. The main USP of the product is about the complete freedom from the side effects with the ease and convenience of the dosage. Moreover, Saheli does not cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and break through bleeding and has no adverse effect on lipid profile and platelet function as is seen with steroidal contraceptives. Target audience for Saheli is literate women in the age group of 20-45 years. Price: Saheli is priced at Rs.16/- for a cycle of 8 pills. Categories: Public Health

Mala-D and Mala-N The basic difference

April 24, 2011 Leave a comment Mala-D: Made available to the consumer under social marketing at a price of Rs.3 per packet Mala-N: Supplied free of cost through all PHCs, urban family centres, etc. Composition: Same for both. Levonorgestrel-0.15 mg + Ethinyl oestradiol- 0.03mg

Mala-D-Combination hormonal contraceptive

Manufactured by Hindustan Latex Limited, Mala-D is a government owned brand of oral contraceptive pill and is provided at a subsidized price under the Contraceptive Social Marketing Program of the government. It is Social Marketed through HLFPPT (Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust). Molecule: Levonorgestrel & Ethinyloestradiol Tablets along with ferrous fumerate. Composition: Each film coated white colored tablet contains levonorgestrel-0.15 mg and ethinyloestradiol- 0.03mg. Each brown coloured film coated tablet contains ferrous fumerate 60mg equivalent to ferrous iron 19.5mg Mechanism of Action:Combination hormonal contraceptives inhibit ovulation. In addition, they also produce alterations in the genital tract, including changes in the cervical mucus, rendering it unfavourable for sperm penetration even if ovulation occurs. Changes in the endometrium may also occur, producing an unfavourable environment for fertilisation. Advantages of Hormonal OCPs Decrease in menstrual flow and cramps. May improve anemia. Regulate menstrual cycles. Protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer. Decrease benign breast lumps. Prevent ectopic pregnancy. Contra Indications Nausea and dizziness Breast tenderness Intermittent bleeding Headaches Weight gain Dosage: Dose starts on first day of menstrual cycle taking 1 tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of Iron and folic acid supplementation. Packing: 1 Cycle of 28 Pills in which 21 pills is for contraception and 7 pills are of Iron supplementation. Target Audience: Rural women in villages with population less than 15000 populations who want a spacing method for family planning

Price: Rs.3/- for a cycle. Categories: Public Health

World Health Day 2011

April 17, 2011 Leave a comment Antimicrobial resistance is not a new problem but one that is becoming more dangerous; urgent and consolidated efforts are needed to avoid regressing to the pre-antibiotic era. For World Health Day 2011, WHO is introducing a six-point policy package to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. develop and implement a comprehensive, financed national plan strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines of assured quality regulate and promote rational use of medicines enhance infection prevention and control foster innovation and research and development for new tools

Previous World Health Days In 1948, the First World Health Assembly called for the creation of a World Health Day to mark the founding of the World Health Organization. Since 1950, World Health Day has been celebrated on the 7th of April annually. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that highlights a priority area of concern for WHO. World Health Day is a worldwide opportunity to focus on key public health issues that affect the international community. World Health Day launches longer-term advocacy programmes that continue well beyond 7 April. The following provides an overview of the past World Health Days:

2010: urbanization and health 1000 cities, 1000 lives 2009: make hospitals safe in emergencies 2008: protecting health from climate change 2007: international health security 2006: working together for health 2005: make every mother and child count 2004: road safety 2003: shape the future of life 2002: move for health 2001: mental health: stop exclusion, dare to care