Quinacrine sterilization in Libya: 200 cases

Document the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of quinacrine sterilization (QS) as an alternative to surgical sterilization in Libyan women.

This study was initiated 1 October 1998 at the Misurata Central Hospital and Lamis Clinic. Patient intake was completed 30 September 2002. The cut-off date for this analysis was 31 December 2002. A total of 200 women were given 2 doses, each consisting of 252 mg of quinacrine hydrochloride in the form of 7 pellets inserted one month apart. They were placed at the uterine fundus during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle using a modified IUD inserter. Women were asked to report any unusual observations or side effects and instructed to use a barrier method or safe period for one month from the time of the first insertion. Follow-up was scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months after the date of the second insertion and every 6 months thereafter.

Sixty-six women have been monitored for up to 3 years and follow-up of all patients continues. There has been no loss to follow-up. No side effects of any consequence have been reported. Thus far, no pregnancies have been reported for this protocol.

Findings in this study are consistent with those seen in other countries. QS has been shown to be safe, effective and acceptable among Libyan women.