Allergan to provide affordable birth control for women in the military

Allergan plc announced the launch of "LILETTA Access on the Front Line" today. 

The initiative will provide the LILETTA intrauterine device (IUD) to military treatment facilities and VA hospitals for $55.83 each. The current Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) cost of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is between $330 and $650.

Contraception for female military members is a challenge during deployments. Birth control prescriptions may be difficult to fill and some birth control medications and methods are not available.

"As a leader in women's health care, Allergan is taking bold steps to help overcome barriers to patient access to IUDs in order to provide women with affordable, and accessible birth control options," Women's Healthcare VP Aimee Lenar said. "This military initiative provides servicewomen with information and access to make educated and cost-effective birth control decisions."

The LILETTA IUD is greater than 99 percent effective. It releases a hormone in a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. If a woman decides that it is time to have a baby, a health care provider simply removes the device.

LILETTA will be available this year for women in the military, military family members and female veterans. Allergan will also work to raise contraception awareness among the military's health care providers.