"We are very pleased that the FDA has approved Natazia as an effective option for the prevention of pregnancy, as it further demonstrates the commitment of Bayer Women's Healthcare to meeting the individual needs of women," said Stefan Oelrich, Vice President and General Manager, Women's Health Care, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Natazia should not be used in women with a high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, liver tumors (benign or malignant) or liver disease, or who are pregnant.

The use of Natazia is associated with increased risks of several serious conditions including venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic events (such as myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke), hepatic neoplasia, gallbladder disease, hypertension, ruptured ovarian cyst and uterine leiomyoma.  The excess risk of thromboembolic events is highest during the first year of use of COC.

Patients should be counseled that OCs do not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

SOURCE Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.