Pharma

Bayer forced to launch $20 million ad campaign over oral contraceptive YAZ

Drug maker Bayer will launch a $20 million advertising campaign in 27 states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, to correct misleading information about its oral contraceptive YAZ.

By Chris Seper on February 09, 2009
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Drug maker Bayer will launch a $20 million advertising campaign in 27 states — including Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania — to correct misleading information about its oral contraceptive YAZ, according to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office

In addition, Bayer will submit future advertisements about YAZ to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval.

The FDA had previously sent a warning letter (pdf) to Bayer saying it overstated how YAZ could treat acne and that it misled consumers that YAZ could treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (the drug does help with premenstrual dysphoric disorder). The FDA also has warned Bayer that its advertisements minimized the risks associated with the drug.

The advertisements will appear on national television and in magazines.