The FDA announced on January 29, 2007 that is has approved the marketing of YAZ for acne control. YAZ is an oral contraceptive previously approved for birth control and to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. PMDD is an extremely severe form of PMS marked by extreme sudden mood shifts, marked irritability, and anger that affects about five percent of menstruating women.

Schering Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Bayer which manufactures and markets YAZ to women, immediately began to promote YAZ for acne control on its U.S. website after approval with sophisticated marketing tools such as email reminders, online prescription refills, and “tell your doctor about YAZ” prompts. YAZ is a combination estrogen/progestin oral contraceptive with a 24 day active pill/4 day inactive pill dosing schedule.

Sources: “FDA OKs Contraceptive for Acne Control,” Associated Press, January 29, 2007; www.yaz-us.com.