Comprehensive evaluation of Safyral(®) 2012

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Nutritional Science
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) incidence has decreased due to folic acid fortification and supplementation.
• However, NTD rates in the USA have not reached the expected reduction, indicating a need for improved periconceptional folate utilization.
• Targeting women of reproductive age through linked supplementation strategies is being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the rationale and benefits of combining oral contraceptives with folate supplementation.
• To assess the addition of levomefolate calcium (metafolin) to drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives.
• To summarize contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits of the combined pill, including NTD risk reduction.

Main Methods:

• Addition of levomefolate calcium (metafolin) in equimolar concentration to recommended folic acid supplements.
• Incorporation into drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives (30 µg EE/3 mg drospirenone).
• Review of contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits, and discussion of thromboembolism risks.

Main Results:

• Levomefolate calcium (metafolin) has been added to specific oral contraceptives to enhance folate status.
• This strategy aims to reduce NTD risk in pregnancies occurring during or shortly after contraceptive use.
• The article discusses the benefits of the combined formulation and addresses thromboembolism risks associated with drospirenone.

Conclusions:

• Linking folic acid supplementation to oral contraceptive use is a viable strategy to improve folate status and reduce NTDs.
• The combined oral contraceptive and metafolin formulation offers potential benefits for women of reproductive age.
• Further consideration of thromboembolism risks associated with drospirenone-containing pills is warranted.