Gracial ProdMonograph_cover - epgonline.org

1. Introduction
•Gracial is the first combiphasic oral contraceptive, with
an estrogen-dominant phase of seven days, followed by
a progestogen-dominant phase of 15 days
• The control of irregular bleeding that this regimen
offers makes Gracial ideal for women with
unacceptable irregular bleeding patterns
•Gracial has also been shown to have beneficial effects
on mild to moderate acne
Benefits of
the Pill
The introduction of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) in the
early sixties made effective and reversible contraception for
women available for the first time.
The obvious benefits of the Pill – prevention of unwanted
pregnancy and consequent reduction in the need for abortion,
the possibility of family planning and the realization of sexual
liberation – were quickly recognized. Pill users also
appreciated the regulation of the menstrual cycle, the
decrease in premenstrual complaints and the possibility of
timing their menstrual periods.
After some initial hesitation, use of the Pill increased rapidly.
By 1999, some 90 million women were using an oral
contraceptive, and their number is still growing.
Although new forms of contraception may be developed in the
near future, the Pill is likely to maintain its important position
as a contraceptive, and more and more women are likely to
become long-term users. Meanwhile, the development of
newer OC formulations, with less systemic effects, has made
the Pill acceptable for a wider spectrum of women.
1