Bayer Schering Pharma updates labelling of contraceptive product

Bayer Schering Pharma has agreed to update the labelling of its oral contraceptive Yasmin to include more detailed information on its safety profile.

The treatment’s European labelling will be amended to provide patients with data on the potential risk of venous thromboembolism, which a Bayer-sponsored study found to be comparable to that of levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptives.

Further data from two additional retrospective studies will also be included to provide additional information on this risk, although the company states that the usefulness of these results remains obscured by “several methodological issues”.

Dr Kemal Malik, chief medical officer at Bayer Schering Pharma, reaffirmed the company’s stance that its treatment remains a safe choice when appropriately used.

He added: “Bayer will continue to provide information which will support healthcare providers and their patients in taking informed decisions about appropriate treatment choices.”

Earlier this month, the firm announced a new collaboration with Prometheus Laboratories which will see the companies develop an oncology diagnostics platform.