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Title: New Oral Contraceptive Available in the United States

"New Oral Contraceptive Available in the United States"

WAYNE, N.J. -- April 19, 2006 -- Berlex Inc. announced that YAZ(R) (3 mg drospirenone/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol), the first pill to combine 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol with the innovative progestin drospirenone in a 24-day active hormone pill regimen, is available in pharmacies nationwide. The 24-day active hormone pill regimen combined with the 30-hour half-life of drospirenone results in less hormonal fluctuation between cycles than traditional OCs. Oral contraceptives continue to be the most widely used method of birth control in the U.S., and their use has steadily increased since 1995. According to a recent Gallup Survey,* 36 percent of women aged 18-49 who use birth control take oral contraceptives. However, not all birth control pills are alike. Recent advancements over older oral contraceptives include lower doses of estrogen, newer progestins and new dosing regimens. Today, women have more options available to meet their own specific and personal contraceptive needs. As with Yasmin(R), the number one prescribed brand of birth control pill worldwide, YAZ contains the innovative progestin drospirenone. Drospirenone exhibits antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic** properties unlike any other progestin available in oral contraceptives. "Today's oral contraceptives have been refined to include combinations of hormones and new dosing regimens designed to better fit a woman's individualized needs," said Carolyn Westhoff, MD, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Director of Family Planning and Preventive Services, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. "YAZ is an exciting new oral contraceptive because you get three additional days of drospirenone plus a low dose of ethinyl estradiol in a 24-day active pill regimen. This unique combination in YAZ helps hormone levels stay even, which may be an additional important new benefit for many women," she added. Important Information about YAZ YAZ contains 3 mg of the progestin drospirenone that has antimineralocorticoid activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients, comparable to a 25-mg dose of spironolactone. YAZ should not be used in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (i.e., renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, or adrenal insufficiency). Women receiving daily, long-term treatment for chronic conditions or diseases with medications that may increase serum potassium should have their serum potassium levels checked during the first treatment cycle. Medications that may increase serum potassium include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-ll receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation medications, aldosterone antagonists and NSAIDs. OCs do not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. The use of OCs is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects; women who take OCs are strongly advised not to smoke. Information for Consumers Women who would like to learn more about YAZ should call the toll-free number 1-888-BERLEX-4 or visit http://www.yaz-us.com. * The 2004 Gallup Study of Women's Health & Contraception Methods, conducted by Multi-sponsor Surveys, Inc. ** Antiandrogenic activity seen in preclinical studies. SOURCE: Berlex Inc.

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