Patient Information For Ortho Tri-Cyclen Now Available in 20 Languages

-- Ortho-McNeil Develops New Tools For More Ethnically and Racially Diverse Female Population

RARITAN, N.J., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Issue: June 21, 2000

With the U.S. female patient population becoming more ethnically and racially diverse, healthcare professionals need tools to promote better communication. To help healthcare professionals navigate the language differences of this changing population, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical now offers information about two of the most widely prescribed birth control pills in the United States in 20 languages.

Some studies have shown that if a healthcare professional communicates in a patient's native language, there is better understanding on the part of the patient. Ortho-McNeil realizes the importance of this dynamic and hopes to help women better understand product information and directions by providing these translations. The translations by Berlitz GlobalNET provide answers to common questions about ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN(R) (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) Tablets, the nation's #1 prescribed birth control pill and the only one clinically proven to treat moderate acne, and ORTHO-CYCLEN(R) (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) Tablets. Healthcare professionals and patients can access the appropriate version of the booklet, "Questions & Answers on ... ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN," in the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Farsi, French, German, Haitian-Creole, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

"The translation of this informative booklet gives healthcare professionals the chance to overcome language barriers that might exist with their non-English-speaking patients, and ultimately help their patients address their own concerns in their native tongues," said Andrew Friedman, M.D., Director of Women's Health Care, Clinical Affairs Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical. "The more patients understand their doctors and their prescriptions, the more likely they are to follow directions and get the maximum benefit from their oral contraceptives."

ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN also is indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females 15 years of age or older, who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy, desire contraception, have achieved menstruation and are unresponsive to topical anti-acne medications.

Oral contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of the Pill are not serious. And those that are, occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you're over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some studies have reported an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer among women who use oral contraceptives. However, the majority of studies have found no overall increase in this risk. You should talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about how this risk relates to your use of the Pill. Some women should not use the Pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical is a pioneer in oral contraception and a leader in women's health care. Among its accomplishments are the introductions of the first prescription contraceptive for women in 1931, the Pap smear, the first treatment for vaginal yeast infections and the first constant estrogen, intermittent, low-dose progestin hormone replacement therapy. The company also introduced the first low-dose oral contraceptive, the first progestin-only birth control pill and the only birth control pill in the U.S. with a non-contraceptive indication.

Ortho-McNeil offers the broadest range of prescriptive contraceptive options. Ortho-McNeil also manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products in other therapeutic categories, including central nervous system, wound healing and infectious disease.

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