press release Mar 11, 2015, 03:32 ET
Afaxys Pharma Announces Launch of EContra™ EZ, Its First Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraceptive
Afaxys now leads the industry by offering the widest array of emergency contraceptive options
CHARLESTON, S.C. --
Afaxys Pharma, a division of Afaxys, Inc., today announced the
nationwide launch of EContra™ EZ (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg),
Afaxys’ first over-the-counter emergency contraceptive offered to the
public health sector. EContra EZ is a single tablet taken orally and
works by delaying or preventing ovulation. The emergency contraceptive
can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or suspected
contraceptive failure but is more effective the sooner it is taken.
EContra EZ is the sixth drug and the second emergency contraceptive to
join Afaxys’ portfolio of FDA-approved and branded generic oral and
emergency contraceptive products. With the launch of EContra EZ, Afaxys
is now the only U.S. pharmaceutical company to offer both
over-the-counter and prescription emergency contraceptives. Last year,
Afaxys launched ella® (ulipristal acetate), a
prescription progesterone agonist/antagonist emergency contraceptive
that is effective at delaying or preventing ovulation for up to five
days after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
“Women need an emergency contraceptive they can depend on,” said Ronda
Dean, president and CEO of Afaxys. “At Afaxys, as experts in emergency
contraceptives, we understand how intimidating and confusing the process
can be. EContra EZ is safe and effective and easy to use and is readily
accessed through the public health sector without a prescription, giving
control to women at a time when they desire it most.”
Afaxys is dedicated to ensuring all women have access to safe, high
quality and affordable contraceptive products. As a company focused
solely on women’s contraceptives, its main goal is to ease fears and
empower women with information to help them better understand and
navigate the process.
EContra EZ is now widely available to women who obtain their women’s
health products through the public health sector which includes Planned
Parenthood, family planning clinics, and Student Health Centers at
colleges and universities. The product is also available for women to
order directly from KwikMed by visiting www.kwikmed.com
or calling 1-877-594-5633.
Pharmacists can order EContra EZ through the following drug distributors:
For more information on EContra EZ and Afaxys’ FDA-approved generic and
branded oral contraceptive products, please visit pharma.afaxys.com.
ella® Important Safety Information
The most common side effects of ella (ulipristal acetate)tablets include
headache (18%), abdominal pain (12%), nausea (12%), dysmenorrheal (9%),
fatigue (6%), and dizziness (5%). ella is contraindicated in women with
a known or suspected pregnancy, and should not replace a regular method
of contraception. Repeated use of ella within the same menstrual cycle
is not recommended. ella is not indicated for termination of an existing
pregnancy. Women who become pregnant or complain of lower abdominal pain
after taking ella should be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy. ella may
alter the next expected menses. If menses is delayed beyond 1 week,
pregnancy should be ruled out. A rapid return of fertility is likely
following treatment with ella, therefore, routine contraception should
be continued or initiated as soon as possible to ensure ongoing
prevention of pregnancy. ella does not protect against STI/HIV.
Reference: ella® [prescribing information]. Charleston, SC: Afaxys Pharma, LLC; June 2018.
For Full Prescribing Information, please go to: http://pharma.afaxys.com/afaxys/assets/pdf/ella_FPI.pdf.
Afaxys Disclosure Notice
This press release was issued in the United States and is intended as
reference information for U.S. journalists and customers. The
information contained in this Afaxys press release is accurate at the
time of issuance, and the company assumes no responsibility for updating
forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent developments.
About Afaxys
Afaxys, Inc. is a mission driven, socially conscious business enterprise
dedicated to serving the women’s healthcare needs of public health
providers and their patients. An emerging leader in the public health
sector, Afaxys manages the supply needs of public health providers,
ensuring customers receive affordable, reliable access to the products
and services they need to care for patients. Since 2005, Afaxys has
operated a Group Purchasing Organization, which negotiates favorable
pricing across a broad base of healthcare products and services so its
customers have access to best-in-class suppliers and service providers.
In 2013, Afaxys launched its pharmaceutical division, Afaxys
Pharmaceuticals bringing a strong portfolio of quality FDA-approved
branded and generic oral contraceptives to the public health sector. The
Company has an expanding portfolio of quality FDA-approved
pharmaceuticals, which are available mostly through the public health
sector including public health clinics, college and university health
centers, community health centers, non-retail prescribers, as well as
city, county, state and federal facilities, at prices intended to be
consistently lower than those currently on the market. To learn more,
visit www.afaxys.com.