A new chewable, spearmint-flavored birth-control tablet Femcon Fe, has hit pharmacy shelves. Femcon Fe, contains the same hormones like other oral contraceptives. It is convenient in that it offers an option for women who want to carry their birth control pills with them, and those who dislike swallowing pills, according to Carl Reichel, the president of drug maker Warner Chilcott of Rockaway, N.J.

This product targets young women who sometimes forget to take their pills.

A month's pill pouch will cost for $44 wholesale and somewhat higher at pharmacies. The pills come in a credit-card sized dispenser with a velvet pouch.

"This isn't a great leap forward, but I think this is a helpful step," said Dr. Lee Shulman, chairman of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, and an Obstetrician cum Gynecologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a Professor at Northwestern University.

"I think it is a better approach in the group of women who have a very high rate of unintended pregnancy, which is younger women," Shulman said.

According to records, nearly one-half of women on birth control pills miss one or two pills every month, increasing their chances of pregnancy. Carrying this neat little pouch should help absent minded and busy women.