FDA Approves Oral Contraceptive YAZ For Treatment Of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Schering subsidiary Berlex on Thursday announced that FDA has approved its oral contraceptive pill YAZ to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, the AP/MSN Money reports (AP/MSN Money, 10/5). YAZ contains ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone and is taken once a day for 24 days followed by four days of placebo to induce a menstrual period. Most oral contraceptives are taken for 21 consecutive days followed by seven days of placebos (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/17). According to Berlex, YAZ is the first birth control pill shown to be effective in treating both physical and emotional symptoms related to PMDD (Berlex release, 10/5). According to Schering, PMDD affects up to 4.5 million women in the U.S. (Rose, Dow Jones, 10/5).

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