FDA Fails to Issue Nonoxynol-9 Warnings

An April report from the Government Accountability Office says the Food and Drug Administration is putting U.S. consumers at risk by failing to place a warning on the labels of products containing nonoxynol-9 that state the spermicide can make HIV easier to contract. Studies show the compound irritates tissues in the vagina and rectum, making cells more susceptible to HIV. The FDA concluded in 2003 that the product is risky but has yet to issue any warnings.