- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

Contraceptive Gel

By far the busiest article on this site, in terms of follow up comments, is about the discontinuation of Gynol II.

It would seem that the discontinuation of this product 2 years ago is still causing problems for patients. Ortho-Creme® was initially recommended as a suitable alternative however some people found that the different presentation caused irritation and it too has now been discontinued.

According to the Clinical Knowledge Summary for barrier contraception Gygel 2% contraceptive jelly® is the only licensed spermicide marketed in the UK. It is available in 30g tubes costing the NHS £4.75 per tube. This product is listed in the Drug Tariff in the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary (Part XVIIB(i)) as Medicinal Preparation, it is therefore allowed on NHS prescription and should be free of charge when dispensed.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of the availability of this product and of the limited pack size in comparison to previous products.