- Female patients must be post menopausal for at least 1 year (must not have had a natural menses for at least 12 months), surgically sterile, or practicing an effective method of birth control (e.g., prescription oral contraceptives, contraceptive injections, intrauterine device, double-barrier method, contraceptive patch, male partner sterilization) and have a negative serum βHCG or urine pregnancy test at screening. They must also be prepared to continue birth control measures for at least 6 months after terminating treatment.