Femlyv (Millicent), an orally disintegrating tablet containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate, has been approved by the FDA for prevention of pregnancy in females with a body mass index (BMI) ≤35 kg/m². It is the first hormonal contraceptive to become available in an orally disintegrating tablet formulation. Traditional oral and chewable tablets containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate in a wide range of doses, including those found in Femlyv, have been available in the US for years.

Annovera (TherapeuticsMD), a contraceptive vaginal ring that releases segesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, was approved by the FDA in 2018 and is now available. It is the first product to contain segesterone and the second vaginal ring to become available in the US; NuvaRing, which delivers etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, was the first. Unlike NuvaRing, which requires use of a new ring each month, the Annovera ring can be used for an entire year, but it must be removed for one week each month.

Nexplanon (Merck), a modified version of the contraceptive implant Implanon (Merck), is now available in the US. Nexplanon contains 68 mg of the progestin etonogestrel and is bioequivalent to Implanon. Both products are single-rod subdermal contraceptives implanted into the inside of the upper arm; both provide reversible effective contraception for up to 3 years.1 Nexplanon has a redesigned preloaded applicator intended to make insertion easier and reduce the risk of improperly placed devices. Proper placement is necessary to ensure adequate contraceptive efficacy and to facilitate future removal of the implant. Unlike Implanon, Nexplanon is radiopaque (contains barium sulfate) and can be located using an X-ray or CT scan when the device is not palpable. Providers should receive training before inserting or removing Nexplanon. Nexplanon will replace Implanon once all registered providers have completed the training program. The wholesale acquisition cost of a single Nexplanon implant is $659.42.2

1. A new progestin implant (Implanon) for long-term contraception. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2006; 48:83.

2. Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for one implant (administration cost not included). Source: PricePointRx™. Reprinted with permission by FDB (First Databank, Inc.). All rights reserved. ©2012. http://www.firstdatabank.com/support/drug-pricing-policy.aspx. Accessed January 26, 2012.

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Transdermal, transvaginal and intrauterine hormone delivery systems have made highly effective contraceptive products more convenient to use. New oral contraceptive options include regimens with fewer or shorter hormone-free intervals.

Implanon (Organon), an implantable contraceptive containing the progestin etonogestrel, has been approved by the FDA. Two other implantable contraceptives, Norplant and Jadelle, which both contain levonorgestrel, are FDA-approved but not marketed in the US.

In recent years, several new contraceptive options have become available in the United States. Novel hormone delivery systems such as transdermal, transvaginal and intrauterine devices have improved the convenience of highly effective contraceptive products. Like oral contraceptives and most barrier contraceptives, these devices do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.