Newsletter

By Lisa Cox
Ever since the much-hyped male impotence drug Viagra was approved by the FDA, there has been support for ensuring that the drug is covered by health insurance plans. Recently, one of the largest insurers, Aetna Health Plans, announced that it would create a special health insurance plan that men could use to obtain coverage for Viagra. A wealthy philanthropist has decided to contribute millions of dollars to a special fund so that poor men in need of Viagra can afford the prescription.

By Cindy Pearson

Q: Are women more likely than men to die of a heart attack? If so why?
A: Heart attacks are the number one cause of death for men and women. However, recent research presented at an Atlanta Conference of the American College of Cardiology suggested that disparities in the reactions to men and women experiencing a heart attack may explain why women are more likely to die.

Ever wondered why you were the unlucky one for whom condoms seemed to break, when others never have a problem? A recent study conducted in 3 countries found that condoms are most likely to break when the package is opened with teeth, scissors, or other sharp objects or the condom is unrolled before it is put on. Keep these tips in mind!
American Journal of Public Health February 1998, pages 239-244.

By Lisa Cox

The Network is asking for your help with an important advocacy project called "Putting Women First" aimed at increasing support for women-centered reproductive health policies, including raising awareness about the quality of information and counseling provided to women about Norplant and Depo- Provera. The project, partially supported by a grant from the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, will allow us to mount an aggressive campaign to pressure the PDA for mandated, written informed consent.

The National Women's Health Network expresses its sorrow at the passing of Mary Howell Raugust who died of breast cancer February 5. Mary Howell was one of five founders of the Network and made significant changes in women's health through her work as an academic physician and a supporter of women's health activism.

Although physicians and other clinicians with prescribing authority have always been able to prescribe drugs for any condition which they think may be helped by that specific drug, pharmaceutical companies have been prohibited from promoting drugs for unapproved uses. Only uses which have been approved by the FDA are listed on the label and unapproved uses are commonly called "off label". Even though the ability to advertise their drugs for additional uses should be enough of an incentive for drug companies to seek additional approval, many companies don't.

Q: I'm thinking about getting Norplant or Depo-Provera. What questions should I ask my doctor?
A: The decision to begin taking a longacting contraceptive such as Norplant or Depo-Provera is one that should be considered carefully. It is important that you have access to accurate and unbiased information.

The following article is taken from a piece by the Clinical Nursing Practice in Epilepsy. NWHN worked with the Epilepsy Foundation this past fall to distribute mailings on women with epilepsy.