Gynol II Discontinued
March 31, 2006 on 10:52 am | In Prescribing Extra - Drugs |
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Janessen-Cilag has discontinued Gynol II®, a spermicidal jelly containing nonoxinol ‘9′.
Ortho-creme contains the same active ingredient but it is a cream base rather than a jelly. The tube size is also slightly smaller at 70g compared to 81g in Gynol II.
Action: Ortho-creme may be a suitable alternative for patients who are currently using Gynol II with good effect.
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An own goal here by Janessen-Cilag: Gynol II often chosen for its lack of fragrance for sensitive users. Ortho-Creme lists lavender as a component and will cause irritation for some. Market now seems open for a new fragrance free contraceptive gel
Comment by Johno — August 1, 2006 #
I agree. I only just discovered that it has been discontinued. I (and my husband) both find that Ortho-Creme is itchy and uncomfortable to use. What are we supposed to do as an alternative? It is still shown as available on some US websites so after scouring the local chemists for all remaining supplies, I will have to buy from the US.
Comment by scarlett — August 12, 2006 #
Why on earth replace Gynol II with Ortho-Creme? It’s a far inferior product and I won’t be using it.
Comment by debbie — November 13, 2006 #
Debbie,
I accept that Ortho-Creme may not be an ideal replacement but as far as I am aware there are few options. Unless you call tell me otherwise…
Comment by Administrator — November 13, 2006 #
I agree with above comments: orthocreme is a far inferior product and I don’t like the smell. I contacted Jansen-Cilag and they said they discontinued gynol as there was no longer a market for it!
Comment by Charlotte — January 10, 2007 #
The cream is dreadful. It stings when you’re using it - I’m sure its going to give me trush before long. And it doesn’t wash off the diagphram properly - leaves horrible smears. Bring back the gel - much less fuss and didn’t hurt! No doubt the cream is in some way better for the pharmaceutical companies but its not better for the user.
Comment by Belinda — January 27, 2007 #
I absolutely agree. The cream smells un-natural, is slightly irritating and also has far more offensive ingredients, including sodium lauryl sulphate, benzoic acid and sorbic acid. No wonder it’s irritating. I’ve found no reasoning for the discontinuation of the jelly, just seems to be another cynical marketing move. Do Janssen- Cilag manufacture the cure when we’re all suffering from the dermatitis this is going to give us?
Comment by Becky — February 5, 2007 #
Ortho cream is disgusting - it smells like old fashioned hand cream, leaves greasy, white smears everywhere (which don’t wash out in a normal wash cycle), is totally off-putting. Having happily used Gynol II for years, I’m getting a diaphragm now. I don’t doubt ortho cream kills sperm, but who can bear to use it????
Comment by Debbie.W — February 10, 2007 #
Sorry, I meant I’m having a coil fitted!
Comment by Debbie.W — February 10, 2007 #
I agree with all the above comments, ortho creme might be a ’suitable alternative’ in its medical content but its just not practical as an intimate contraceptive cream. I really want something to be done about it.
Having spoken to my family planning clinic there are obviously a lot of people with these issues about ortho creme. They advised me to complain to the fpa centrally but I went on their website and there doesn’t appear to be a contact link so I emailed Jansen-Cilag. I haven’t heard anything as yet.. this was on Wednesday. But I think if they receive more complaints it is more likely something will be done.
Anybody else any other ideas on where to complain/ask?…
Comment by Nina — March 10, 2007 #
I have just trawled the local chemists for Gyno Gel and been made to feel a dinosaur so am relieved to find others who are having the same problem. My family planning clinic is only stocking the creme and with it being so unpopular I don’t expect that will last long!
Having compared the price of the gel versus the creme (the gel is double), no doubt that is why the FPA are no longer supplying it.
With so much talked about the danger to older women of the Pill all this strikes me as being very foolish.
Comment by Alison D — March 24, 2007 #
I have had exactly the same problems, creme is itchy and unpleasant to use, and my family planning clinic have told me the gel has been discontinued due to cost. I would happily pay for it if I could find a source.
Comment by Louise — May 4, 2007 #
I have been using a diaphram for 15 years and can’t believe they have stopped the gel. I tried the creme twice and it was awful and irritated me for days after use, I then got thrush, which I haven’t had for years, and my husband and I have been concerned about the alternatives as I tried a coil after having kids but didn’t get on with it, and I don’t want to be on the pill for years. I have just spent £50 buying the gel from the u.s..thankfully
Comment by rachel l — May 9, 2007 #
I’ve been happily using Gynol II for about 20 years - I can’t believe they’ve discontinued it! I agree with all the above - the cream is smelly, offputting and irritates. I have sensitive skin, so daren’t use it more than once a week. I asked my GP who prescribed me the pessaries, but I’ve had cystisis 3 times in the last 6 months - had not had it for years. I can’t believe that when the trend in all toiletries is towards unperfumed products, and those for sensitive skin, we’re left with no choice whatsoever!
Does anyone know who we need to put pressure on - perhaps we should start a Downing Street petition!
Comment by K — May 19, 2007 #
this has come as a shock to me thank god i did not buy the cream,as long as the us keeps selling the gel things will be ok but what a pain.
Comment by hunter — May 22, 2007 #
I agree with all of the above - I also wrote to Janessen and got a fob-off about it being discontinued for ‘commercial reasons’. My GP was brilliant and also wrote on my behalf, and she told me they said they were hoping the product licence could be transferred to another company, though I am not aware that this has happened yet. It flies in the face of patient choice - I could not even bear to use the creme as the smell put me off, and the inclusion of ingredients like SLS (which I avoid in shampoo etc) seems crazy in a product for somewhere so sensitive! On reading other people’s experiences, I am glad I did not use it. I would happily sign a petition!
Comment by CP — June 16, 2007 #
When using Ortho Options Gynol II can i mix it in vaseline/grease/petrolium jelly apply the vaseline to the vagina/anus and the Nonoxynol-9 active ingredients still be affective?
Comment by Marj — July 29, 2007 #
Marj,
Diluting by mixing the cream will have a negative effect on efficacy to an extent when the spermicidal activity may be compromised. Diluting down is a very bad idea and cannot be recommended.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — July 30, 2007 #
Having spent Sunday scraping this vile white ortho stuff off of myself, my diaphragm, the applicator, the sheets, the sink and my long suffering boyfriend I now find I have developed thrush…
I can only agree with the other comments on this site and hope my gynol arrives soon from the states!
Comment by Rache — August 20, 2007 #
Can anyone recommend where to import it from? Most US stockists don’t send to the UK and postage is otherwise $20. Is Europe any cheaper?
Comment by Fruitypuds — August 22, 2007 #
Gynol II has been transferred to Marlborough Pharmaceuticals and is now known as Gygel it is the same formula and should be avilable on prescription by the end of the year
Comment by steve — September 23, 2007 #
I have recently returned to using my trusty diaphragm & am absolutely incensed that I cannot get my Gynol gel anywhere, I cant stand the creme, my boyfriend hates it too, without being too explicte, it looks horrible & is really off putting. I dont like looking like I’ve got a vaginal infection!!! Please please please give us back our Gynol II gel.
Comment by Yvonne — September 29, 2007 #
I have used Ortho Cream twice and wont be using it again. It burns and I think is giving me thrush. Most unpleasant. Dr and FP clinic sympathetic but say they cannot do anything as there isnt an alternative. Very unhappy.
Comment by Karen — October 3, 2007 #
I was forced to use Ortho Creme at the weekend and now I have thrush!! I never had thrush with Gynol II. Its a much inferior product than the gel & I hate it. I’ve resorted to ordering the gel from the states & cant wait until it arrives. Why is the gel available in the States & not the UK? Its not right that I/we should have to pay for it, especially as Contraception is meant to be free in the UK.
Comment by Yvonne — October 3, 2007 #
I tended to obtain Gynol II in bulk order as I always found in difficult to get supplies over the years. I am shocked to discover it is no longer available. I too have problems with other creams, not surpising as I am an allergy sufferer. I also can’t take the pill and tried once to have the coil and had to have it removed. So what am I left with - NOTHING NOW !!!! Thank god I am I hope at later stages of the change in life. THIS IS CRAZY - DOCTORS PLEASE TAKE NOTE - DO SOMETHING TO LOBBY PEOPLE. Women need choices - the cap/GYNOL II may not have had high numbers of users, but most of us used it very successfully for years for medical reasons, are we to be forced back to being barefoot and pregnant! signed “one grumpy lady - getting older and grumpier by the day!”
Comment by Di — December 18, 2007 #
Desperately in need of Gynol II. My doctor informed me cap is an old fashioned thing to use!! Try a coil, very helpful!!!!!!!!
Comment by Donna — January 3, 2008 #
Try this website:
http://www.undercovercondoms.co.uk/Condoms/Types/Gels/67/contraceptive-gels.html
Comment by vub — January 7, 2008 #
why oh why have the fpc stopped giving out gynol II gel ? i have tried the pill and coil with really nasty side effect so have gone back to my trusty diaphragm only to be told that i would have to use the cream as the gel had been discontinued, i told the nurse what would happen!thrush and cystisis !and my body did not let me down !!!
please oh please bring back the gel as i am sure i am not the only lady in the uk with very sensitive bits !!! Marlborough Pharmaceuticals please hurry up and get Gygel in the fpc or chemist as things are becoming desperate !!!!!!
Comment by julie — January 24, 2008 #
I have the same problem with othocreme- so after 28 years of use of a cap I am now stuck!I am encouraged to find how many others still use this very simple “outdated” method -I will be sending an order for Gynol II to USA soon!
Comment by Chris — January 27, 2008 #
I was given a prescription for the dreaded creme this week, only to be told that it too has been discontinued and that as yet, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE! So, here I am being given advice by the chemist ranging from ‘ take a chance without it, the cap will probably be ok on its own’! to ‘why not consider the pill’? I am allergic to the pill and have happily used the diaphragm for over 23 years and now I am told I have to reconsider what form of contraception I use! Whatever happened to choice? None of the chemists or my GP have been able to find out about the release of Gygel so I too, will have to try to order from the US!
Comment by Sarah — January 30, 2008 #
Having used the link supplies by vub and placed an order from them ( due for delivery within 10 days) I have contacted Marlborough pharmaceuticals re GYGEL and they have told me this is NOW AVAILABLE ! I have ordered today from http://www.expresschemist.co.uk ( they promise First Class delivery) but your own local chemists should also be able to get it. The PIP code is:326-2508 Have fun!
Comment by Sarah — February 2, 2008 #
Hi, I have just discovered today that I can no longer get Gynol II gel and was disappointed that my GP suggested the coil as the only suitable alternative for me. (I have problems with hormone related contraceptives). However I have already had an awful experience with a coil and do not wish to use it again. I too tried Orthocreme in the past and found it to be extremely nippy and I too developed thrush. I am SO glad I had a quick look on the internet and found this page and all your comments. I’m off to try Sarah’s link to the Express Chemists! (That said, I’d still be happy to sign a petition as someone already mentioned, contraception is meant to be free in this country!!)
Comment by Marianne — February 5, 2008 #
To add insult to injury, when buying Gygel we have to pay VAT! Aaargh!
Comment by Marianne — February 5, 2008 #
Well, my order from express chemist has arrived(thankfully!) but what a difference in the size of the package! I am writing to my gp today to see whether Gygel is available on prescription because at over £7 a tube plus postage, it is going to be very expensive to buy on a regular basis. I am still awaiting the order from the US for the gynol II which may work out better financially! The Gygel seems more ‘gloopy’ than gynol II but it certainly doesn’t seem to irritate or have the disgusting smell of ortho creme.
Comment by Sarah — February 11, 2008 #
I found this blog when looking for advice on products as I too don’t want to use Pill etc with hormones. I am amazed at some of your experiences and felt a disappointed that I may have trouble gettng a suitable product. However, as well as the sources already listed, I have also found the following website as a possible source and cheaper than the £7 and £7.50 prices I have seem elsewhere. etchttp://www.wms.co.uk/Gygel_Contraceptive_Gel.html?V=&SID=6000&SSID=4000&GID=136140
Comment by Amy — February 17, 2008 #
I had also looked at the site recommended by Amy, but found that once VAT and postage have been added, there is very little difference in the prices. I actually feel that the better option is to order from the states as the tubes are much bigger ( gygel is in tiny tubes) and the price is about the same! ( even when you include postage!) It took just over two weeks for my package to arrive and as my chemist is finding it hard to locate Gygel to fill the prescription my GP kindly supplied,( amazing that if I pay I can get it!) I think I will continue to order from the US.
Comment by sarah — February 22, 2008 #
Hi everyone. I have been following this debate since I first found Gynol II was discontinued. I agree with all comments on the alternatives.
So when I read Gygel was now available I jumped with joy and asked my GP to prescribe. I can’t believe that the tubes are 30 g when they used to be 81g. What’s that about? Arn’t women like us meant to have sex very often?
But what I really want other people’s views on is precription charges. I took the script to the chemists and was told I have to pay as Gygel isn’t on the list of free contracetptives. Have others found this too? If it’s a policy decision not a mistake I’m looking to complain. Any idea which department of the NHS / DoH makes these decisions?
Comment by Benny — February 22, 2008 #
Marlborough Pharmaceuticals Ltd have sent through this reply to my query about why the tubes were so small. I disagree with them, Any other views?
“At the moment we have no plans to provide Gygel in 81g tubes. We feel the 30g tube size is more suitable in terms of carrying the product around in a wash bag for example. I will keep your details on file however and if we do make plans to increase the tube size, I will contact you.”
Comment by Benny — February 27, 2008 #
The list of what is considered free as a contraceptive will be defined by the DoH - not sure which department though.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — February 27, 2008 #
Hi again,i agree with the comments regarding the size of the gygel tubes. It is ridiculous! I am also STILL waiting for my chemist to obtain stocks! ( he has had my prescription for a month now!) In that time I have ordered and received TWO lots of gynol ll from the link supplied by vub. ( you need to go to the .com version) If it is true that we will have to pay for gygel, I will just continue to order from the states as they a) have stock available, b)even with the post system it arrives quite quickly ( about 10 days or so) and c) it is the same pricefor a 103g tube as it is for a 30g tube of gygel! postage is about another £5 on top so it is better to order a few at a time.
Comment by sarah — March 12, 2008 #
Having just squeezed out the last drop of Orthocreme - yes, some of us successfully used it - we too have found that it is now discontinued - its only taken the three local chemists 3 months to find out why they can’t get it. The comments are most helpful, but the attitude from DoH et al outrageous. Can Sarah share her supplier’s address?
Comment by Simon — March 16, 2008 #
I just learned that Ortho is discontinued.
I ordered the replacement product from exress chemists in Brighton. But it is much more expensive.
Could someone recommend a reliable American website where gygel is better value?
Best
Simona
Comment by Simone A — March 20, 2008 #
I have just received my Gynol II gel from the US website http://www.undercovercondoms.com at a cost of £7 with £5.95 P&P. Arrived in around 10 days. From what I can understand, the tubes are over three times the size of what is available in the UK. They also sent me a standard 10% code with my recipt for payment but within a few days also emailed me with a 20% off offer across their product range. I think you need to order fist to get the deal but if you are a regular user of the products its worth stock piling!
Comment by Amy — March 22, 2008 #
My doctor wrote a prescription for OrthoCreme, not knowing it had gone off the market. When my chemist eventually got Gygel (early March) the prescription was changed to two tubes of Gygel. Someone here obviously realised that each tube contained less.
I get free prescriptions because of a medical condition, but I’m sure that I was offered the choice of ticking the ‘free contraceptives’ box on the prescription. I’m in Scotland; maybe that makes a difference. I certainly got no impression that I would have been asked to pay for a contraceptive product.
Comment by Maggie — March 29, 2008 #
[...] By far the busiest article on this site, in terms of follow up comments, is about the discontinuation of Gygel II. [...]
Pingback by Prescribing Advice for GPs » Contraceptive Gel — April 2, 2008 #
Hi, just thought I’d sneak a look to see whether this site was still attracting the same level of interest as a couple of months back! For those who have been told they have to pay for gygel, my local chemist has now managed to get me several prescriptions of gygel and I have never been asked to pay, he just ticks the free contraceptive box on the back of the form. ( I am in Hampshire by the way, so the ‘Scottish’ prescription stuff definitely doesn’t apply here!) He has also told me that ech time I get a new prescription, he will automatically re-order ot for me so that I don’t have to wait for ages when I take the prescriptions in to him. I still think the size of the tubes is ridiculously small and I do still prefer the texture of gynoll ll, so will probably continue to order from the US as I find the cost is surprisingly reasonable. (it’s http://www.undercovercondoms.com )
Comment by Sarah — May 29, 2008 #
Hi All. Another couple here who are completely turned off by Ortho=Creme. I will be approaching the FP clinic for Gygel next week & if no luck there my GP. I think this whole episode is shocking. I already feel under so much pressure to use a hormone based contraceptive (pill, implant, minerva coil) but simply will not as I believe there will be a price to pay in later life for all this “hormone pumping” that goes on these days. There are moves to ban the routine use of hormones in meat farming yet it’s by far the favorite option of the medical profession for women. Anyone else find that disturbing?
Comment by Mandy — June 22, 2008 #
I to am struggling on with Gygel. I prefered ortho creme ( less gloopy than Gynol ) Now I’m back to Gygel in tiny tiny 30g tubes. I get mine from the FPC, but to day I was told, that my suppies will be limited to one tube at a time ( max of one tube a month)! That’s not to much of a problem for me, but could be for some! I am much more frugal with the applied ammount now!
Comment by hbeven — August 19, 2008 #
I’ve been a successful user of ortho creme and orthoforms for 8 years. Gynol gave me extreme irritation. So now I’m as annoyed as everyone else was when gynol disappeared.
I have no other contraceptive choices, can’t take hormones, and after a failed sterilisation and complications, refuse to let a doctor near me with a coil.
What choices are we left with as women, it’s ridiculous……celibacy?
Comment by Helen — September 3, 2008 #
I have just discovered that Ortho-creme has been discontinued and can’t believe that the tubes of gygel are so tiny! Surely it is not too much to ask for decent sized tubes, and also for a choice, I have used both creme and gel in the past and have been fed up with not having the choice for the last year or so. I will be contacting the manufacturers as soon as my pharmacist had managed to find me some (he was very helpful) but it would have been useful if my GP had realised before he wrote me a presciption for a discontinued product.
Comment by Diana — September 22, 2008 #
I live in the US and can not find Gynol II anywhere. I found this website and was surprised to hear the same complaints as I have. I told my husband he will have to get a vasectomy if I couldn’t use this!! I did order online at http://www.undercovercondoms.com. They charged me a total of $17.90 with shipping. Good luck to all of you in the UK.
Comment by Victoria — September 30, 2008 #