FDA approves new oral contraceptive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has approved a new oral contraceptive for women called Natazia. The new drug contains two female hormones, estrogen and progestin.

Scott Monroe, M.D., director of FDA's Division of Reproductive and Urologic Products reports, “Nearly 12 million women in the United States and more than 100 million women worldwide currently use oral contraceptives. The approval of Natazia provides another option for women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of contraception.”

The most common side effects include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, increased weight, and acne. Women over 35 years of age who smoke are being advised to not use Natazia. Evidence has shown that cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive use.

In Michigan, over one million women are in need of contraceptive services and supplies. Over 213,000 of the over 2 million women of childbearing age become pregnant each year. Natazia becomes another choice women can make in contraception use.

Manufactured by Bayer Schering Pharma, Natazia is expected to be available by this summer in the U.S.