Wyeth announced that the company has designated both Triphasil-28 (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets-triphasic regimen) and Alesse (0.1 mg levonorgestrel/0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol tablets) oral contraceptives as temporarily out of stock (TOS). This TOS designation means that Wyeth is unable to re-supply these oral contraceptives.

Communications regarding the status were sent to health care professionals, pharmacy managers and wholesalers. The company is working diligently to address the product availability of Triphasil-28 and Alesse, a Wyeth release said.

When current supplies of Triphasil-28 and Alesse at retailers are no longer available to consumers, patients should contact their prescribers about other contraceptive options.

Oral contraceptives are not for every woman. Most related side effects are not serious, and serious side effects occur infrequently. Serious risks of all birth control pills that can be life threatening include blood clots, stroke and heart attack. These risks are increased in women who smoke cigarettes, especially women over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives should not smoke.

Some women should not use oral contraceptives, especially women who have had a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, certain cancers or liver diseases, unexplained vaginal bleeding and those who are or may become pregnant. Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or sexually transmitted diseases.