Teva Launches Educational Initiative to Arm Women with Facts about Emergency Contraception

PRESS RELEASE

FRAZER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 23, 2015-- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., maker of Plan B One-Step^® (levonorgestrel) 1.5 mg tablet, the #1 OB/GYN recommended emergency contraception, announced today the launch of "Perfectly Imperfect," an educational initiative that aims to spark a conversation about the many myths surrounding emergency contraception and ensure women are prepared in case their birth control plan doesn't go as perfectly as planned. In collaboration with Carly Aquilino and Nessa, stars of MTV's "Girl Code," and through the creation of a new multimedia website, www.PerfectlyImperfectandMe.com, this innovative and interactive program encourages women to understand that it's more important to be true to themselves, knowledgeable and prepared than it is to be perceived as perfect.

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In support of the "Perfectly Imperfect" initiative, an online survey of 1,000 US women aged 18-34 years, sponsored by Plan B One-Step^®, revealed that 9 out of 10 women have felt pressure to be perfect, and of those women, nearly 45% put the pressure on themselves. This pressure to be perfect also translates into how women surveyed would feel about a potential contraception failure. The survey showed that if a woman experienced a contraception failure, 1 out of 4 would feel disappointed in themselves, and confused about what to do next and nearly 60 percent would be panicked and/or scared.

"As members of the entertainment industry, I can relate to the pressures to be perfect. Nessa and I want women to know that you don't have to live your life through a filter, it's more important to be yourself and to let your imperfections shine through," Aquilino said. "This is why we've joined this initiative and want people to check out the website to get the facts straight."

"So many of us are focused on being perfect the first time around, we don't explore the 'what ifs'," Nessa added. "This is especially important when it comes to contraception. Even if you try to do everything right, it is important to be informed about your options in the event you need a backup plan."

The survey also uncovered existing misperceptions and misinformation regarding emergency contraception. Of the women surveyed, 87% incorrectly believed all forms of emergency contraception would harm an existing pregnancy and nearly 1/3 falsely believed that all forms of emergency contraception only work the morning after a contraception failure or unprotected sex. Furthermore, 75% were unaware that some forms of emergency contraception can be found in the feminine care aisle of the pharmacy/store.

"As a practicing OB/GYN for 20 years, I was not shocked by the survey findings. I see it all too often - women are confused, misinformed or feel there is a stigma associated with the use of emergency contraception," said Dr. Diana Ramos, an OB/GYN and nationally recognized expert in women's health who is serving as a spokesperson for Teva's campaign.

The "Perfectly Imperfect" initiative also includes promotional support from MTV, the leading creator of millennial programming, and Her Campus, the #1 global community for college women. For more information about the initiative and to get the facts about Plan B One-Step^®, please visit www.PerfectlyImperfectandMe.com.