TY - JOUR T1 - Spermicides: advertising and instructions for use JF - Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO - Drug Ther Bull SP - 96 LP - 96 DO - 10.1136/dtb.12.24.96 VL - 12 IS - 24 A2 - , Y1 - 1974/11/22 UR - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/12/24/96.abstract N2 - During the preparation of our review of C-Film (October 25, p. 87), we were disturbed by the promotional material and the instructions. These implied that C-Film could safely be used as the sole method of contraception, though use of an additional method was advised where it was “imperative” to avoid pregnancy. Since any spermicidal preparation used on its own has a relatively high failure rate, those who buy one ought to be told clearly that it should be used together with an additional contraceptive method. The information accompanying many spermicidal products does not do so, and this omission probably causes at least some unwanted pregnancies. We have therefore asked the Committee on Safety of Medicines to consider appropriate action. ER -