Possible Drug Interaction Between GLP-1 Agonist and Oral Contraceptives

Written by Sabina Kapkayeva Pharm.D. candidate and Regina Ginzburg, Pharm.D., CDCES, BC-ADM Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 agonists) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptides (GIP) are increasingly being used in the management of diabetes and/or for weight loss. Several GLP-1 agonist medications available today are known to have interactions with oral hormonal contraceptives, but not through the usual pharmacokinetic…

Expanding Access to the Self-Administered Contraceptive Injection

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), often referred to by the brand name, Depo Provera, or “the depo shot,” is birth control that is administered as an injection every three months to prevent pregnancy. The most common form is an intramuscular injection, which usually involves going to a health care provider — like a doctor, nurse, or…

Hormonal Contraception, Breast Cancer, and Communicating Risk to Patients

This Contraceptive Pearl clarifies how to communicate risk to address questions regarding cancer risk for users of hormonal contraception.

Insights: Bleeding Management for Medication Abortion and Early Pregnancy Care

Written By Anita Mutti, MD and Lori Atkinson, MD Patients using mifepristone and misoprostol or misoprostol-alone for management of early pregnancy loss (EPL) or medication abortion (MAB) are expected to have a bleeding phase.1 While these treatments are very safe and effective, a common concern includes excessive bleeding. It is imperative to counsel your patients…

An Overview of Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Pain Control Options for Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement

Written by Meera Nagarsheth, MD Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a safe and effective form of contraception and have numerous non-contraceptive benefits. However, pain and discomfort during IUD placement are commonly reported.1 The CDC’s 2024 US Selected Practice Recommendations (SPR) for Contraceptive Use recommends counseling patients on pain management options prior to IUD placement.2 Both actual…

Insights: Tips for Addressing Challenging Questions

Written by Lily Van Tongeren, MD and Maya Bass, MD MA FAAFP During options counseling and abortion care, clinicians and support staff are often asked challenging questions about the abortion process. These inquiries can range from scientific to deeply spiritual in nature. Questions such as “Is there a heartbeat?” and “Does the baby feel pain?”…

Insights: Pain Control During Procedural Abortions

Written by Divya Bhatia, MD Pain perception during procedures for abortion or management of early pregnancy loss is shaped by multiple physical and psychosocial factors and can vary substantially from person to person. Accordingly, it is best managed using a multi-modal approach.1 Pharmacological methods include oral pain medication, paracervical block, and sedation with anesthesia. Premedication…

Insights: How All Clinicians Can Support People Who Need Abortion

Written by Jasmine Chan, M.D. and Navjot Narula, MD As restrictive laws increasingly limit patients’ access to abortion care, clinicians must maximize their support for patients seeking abortions. Even if your organization does not provide abortions, there are still many ways you can support patients seeking abortion care. These recommendations may fall in a legally…

Contraception and Sickle Cell Disease

Written by Aderinsola Odetunde, MD Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States, with the highest prevalence among those of African descent.1,2 Many of those living with SCD are not counseled on reproductive health, especially during the transition period from pediatric to adult care.3 Clinicians should regularly discuss reproductive health care…

Insights: Values Clarification for Abortion

Written by Judy Lipshutz, MSW, RN Values Clarification (VC) is a process of self-reflection that encourages honest and respectful conversations about how our values impact the care we provide. We all have values, opinions, biases, and identities; and we come from different generations, cultures, races, and religions. Developing self-awareness about how our values impact our…