Place in Therapy:
Efficacy:
Male non-latex condoms can be recommended as an effective barrier contraceptive method for patients whom are allergic or sensitive to latex condoms (1-6% of the American population).3 Polyurethane and other non-latex condoms have a higher incidence of total clinical failure, breakage and slippage, compared to latex condoms, so they are not as effective in terms of STI and HIV prevention. The eZ-on polyurethane condom has not been shown to be as effective as the latex condom for pregnancy prevention, although the risk of pregnancy lies in the range of other barrier methods. Breakage and slippage are also higher for eZ-on condoms than for latex condoms. These condoms have not been well studied for STI protection but are believed to offer similar protection compared to latex condoms and require further studies on their efficacy.
In terms of plastic condoms such as Tactylon, these are equivalent to latex condoms in risk of slippage, but the breakage rate is five times higher than the latex condom.
Lambskin condoms may be used in individuals with latex sensitivity or allergy and reduce the risk of pregnancy. However due to the presence of small pores on the surface of the condom, they do not offer protection against STIs or HIV transmission and are not recommended to be used alone. Due to lack of elasticity, lambskin condoms may slip off the penis during intercourse or withdrawal. Couples can use a lambskin condom along with a latex condom fro STI protection. If the woman has a latex allergy, a lambskin condom could be worn over a latex condom. If the man has a latex allergy, a lambskin condom could be worn under the latex condom.3
Polyurethane condoms are good alternatives for preventing pregnancy and STIs in individuals with latex allergy; however lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs or HIV.
Safety:
Nonlatex condoms are generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include irritation, decreased sensation or loss of erection. Allergic reactions to polyurethane are rare. Both water and oil-based lubricants are compatible will polyurethane, polyisoprene, plastic or lambskin condoms. The risk of drug interactions is low. Plastic condoms such as Tactylon, have fewer adverse effects (irritation, burning, itching, and genital pain) compared with latex condoms. Moreover, patients with lanolin sensitivity should avoid lambskin condoms.
Cost/Convenience:
Nonlatex condoms are generally twice as or more expensive as compared to latex condoms. Prices range from $1.50 - $4 per condom. Since polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are made of a synthetic material which is stronger than latex, these condoms are usually thinner and allow for more sensation. Moreover, lambskin condoms offer better heat transmission and allows for better sensation.
References:
1. Condom Options (Lexi-Patient Education – Disease and Procedure) Lexicomp Online. Lexicomp. Hudson, OH. Last reviewed February 2001. Accessed July 2, 2012.
2. Black A, Francoeur D, Rowe T et al. SOGC clinical practice guidelines: Canadian contraception consensus. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2004; 26: 219-96.
3. Canadian Pharmacists Association. Patient Self Care 2nd Edition. Chapter 83: Contraception; 799, and Canadian Pharmacists Association. Therapeutic Choices 6th Edition. Chapter 68: Contraception; 904-906.
References
1. Walton SF, McKinnon M, Pizzutto S, Dougall A, Williams E, Currie BJ. Acaricidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil. In Vitro Sensitivity of Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis to Terpinen-4-ol. Arch Dermatol. 2004; 140: 563-566
2. Walton SF, Myerscough MR, and Currie BJ. Studies in vitro on the relative efficacy of current acaricides for Sarcoptes scabiei var.hominis. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2000; 94: 92 -96.
3. Currie BJ, Harumal P, McKinnon M, and Walton SF. First Documentation of In Vivo and In Vitro Ivermectin Resistance in Sarcoptes scabiei. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2004; 39: e8-12.
4. Tjioe M, and Vissers W. Scabies Outbreaks in Nursing Homes for the Elderly – Recognition, Treatment Options and Control of Reinfestation. Therapy in Practice. Drugs and Aging. 2008; 25(4); 299-306
5. Miller PF. Chapter 47 – Skin Infections and Infestations: Parasitic Infections. Ed. Suveges L. Patient Self-Care – Helping Patients make therapeutic choices, 1st Edition. 2002. Canadian Pharmacists Association: Canada. p.610-611.
6. Natural Standard. [Internet] Professional Monograph. [Updated in 2011; cited on July 3, 2011]. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel). Available at: http://naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/all/teatreeoil.asp
7. Carson CF, Riley TV, and Cookson BD. Efficacy and safety of tea tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. Journal of Hospital Infection. 1998; 40: 175-178
8. Carson, C.F, Hammer, K.A., Riley, R.V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Vol. 19, No. 1, p. 50-62
9. Derek VH, Lipson N, Korach KS, and Bloch CA. Prepubertal Gynecomastia Linked to Lavender and Tea Tree Oils. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:479-485
10. American Cancer Society. [Internet] [Updated in 2008, cited on July 6, 2011] Tea tree oil. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/tea-tree-oil
.
Efficacy:
Male non-latex condoms can be recommended as an effective barrier contraceptive method for patients whom are allergic or sensitive to latex condoms (1-6% of the American population).3 Polyurethane and other non-latex condoms have a higher incidence of total clinical failure, breakage and slippage, compared to latex condoms, so they are not as effective in terms of STI and HIV prevention. The eZ-on polyurethane condom has not been shown to be as effective as the latex condom for pregnancy prevention, although the risk of pregnancy lies in the range of other barrier methods. Breakage and slippage are also higher for eZ-on condoms than for latex condoms. These condoms have not been well studied for STI protection but are believed to offer similar protection compared to latex condoms and require further studies on their efficacy.
In terms of plastic condoms such as Tactylon, these are equivalent to latex condoms in risk of slippage, but the breakage rate is five times higher than the latex condom.
Lambskin condoms may be used in individuals with latex sensitivity or allergy and reduce the risk of pregnancy. However due to the presence of small pores on the surface of the condom, they do not offer protection against STIs or HIV transmission and are not recommended to be used alone. Due to lack of elasticity, lambskin condoms may slip off the penis during intercourse or withdrawal. Couples can use a lambskin condom along with a latex condom fro STI protection. If the woman has a latex allergy, a lambskin condom could be worn over a latex condom. If the man has a latex allergy, a lambskin condom could be worn under the latex condom.3
Polyurethane condoms are good alternatives for preventing pregnancy and STIs in individuals with latex allergy; however lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs or HIV.
Safety:
Nonlatex condoms are generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include irritation, decreased sensation or loss of erection. Allergic reactions to polyurethane are rare. Both water and oil-based lubricants are compatible will polyurethane, polyisoprene, plastic or lambskin condoms. The risk of drug interactions is low. Plastic condoms such as Tactylon, have fewer adverse effects (irritation, burning, itching, and genital pain) compared with latex condoms. Moreover, patients with lanolin sensitivity should avoid lambskin condoms.
Cost/Convenience:
Nonlatex condoms are generally twice as or more expensive as compared to latex condoms. Prices range from $1.50 - $4 per condom. Since polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are made of a synthetic material which is stronger than latex, these condoms are usually thinner and allow for more sensation. Moreover, lambskin condoms offer better heat transmission and allows for better sensation.
References:
1. Condom Options (Lexi-Patient Education – Disease and Procedure) Lexicomp Online. Lexicomp. Hudson, OH. Last reviewed February 2001. Accessed July 2, 2012.
2. Black A, Francoeur D, Rowe T et al. SOGC clinical practice guidelines: Canadian contraception consensus. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2004; 26: 219-96.
3. Canadian Pharmacists Association. Patient Self Care 2nd Edition. Chapter 83: Contraception; 799, and Canadian Pharmacists Association. Therapeutic Choices 6th Edition. Chapter 68: Contraception; 904-906.
References
1. Walton SF, McKinnon M, Pizzutto S, Dougall A, Williams E, Currie BJ. Acaricidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil. In Vitro Sensitivity of Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis to Terpinen-4-ol. Arch Dermatol. 2004; 140: 563-566
2. Walton SF, Myerscough MR, and Currie BJ. Studies in vitro on the relative efficacy of current acaricides for Sarcoptes scabiei var.hominis. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2000; 94: 92 -96.
3. Currie BJ, Harumal P, McKinnon M, and Walton SF. First Documentation of In Vivo and In Vitro Ivermectin Resistance in Sarcoptes scabiei. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2004; 39: e8-12.
4. Tjioe M, and Vissers W. Scabies Outbreaks in Nursing Homes for the Elderly – Recognition, Treatment Options and Control of Reinfestation. Therapy in Practice. Drugs and Aging. 2008; 25(4); 299-306
5. Miller PF. Chapter 47 – Skin Infections and Infestations: Parasitic Infections. Ed. Suveges L. Patient Self-Care – Helping Patients make therapeutic choices, 1st Edition. 2002. Canadian Pharmacists Association: Canada. p.610-611.
6. Natural Standard. [Internet] Professional Monograph. [Updated in 2011; cited on July 3, 2011]. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel). Available at: http://naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/herbssupplements/all/teatreeoil.asp
7. Carson CF, Riley TV, and Cookson BD. Efficacy and safety of tea tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. Journal of Hospital Infection. 1998; 40: 175-178
8. Carson, C.F, Hammer, K.A., Riley, R.V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Vol. 19, No. 1, p. 50-62
9. Derek VH, Lipson N, Korach KS, and Bloch CA. Prepubertal Gynecomastia Linked to Lavender and Tea Tree Oils. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:479-485
10. American Cancer Society. [Internet] [Updated in 2008, cited on July 6, 2011] Tea tree oil. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/tea-tree-oil
.