Wyeth-Ayerst's Norplant

Five-year implantable contraceptive introduced the week of Feb. 4 at a price to physicians of $ 350. Physicians will receive the Norplant System and Resources Kit, which includes: six silicone rubber rods (1.3 inches long), each containing 36 mg levonorgestrel, for implantation under the inner arm skin above the elbow; a Norplant trocar -- a device used to place the rods -- and all necessary surgical equipment -- scalpel, forceps, skin closures, surgical drapes, syringe and needles, etc; the resources kit contains a video and training materials. Wyeth-Ayerst is encouraging physicians to take a Norplant training program, which it is promoting through a toll-free 800 number. Approximately 100 doctors have been trained to date; the company hopes to have 8,000-9,000 trained by June.