Advertising Yaz as PMS Treatment Earns Bayer Reprimand from FDA
Birth control lawyers are spreading the word about punitive action taken by the FDA against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals regarding their advertising of Yaz as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The birth control drug Yaz has been remarkably popular and successful for Bayer since it entered the market, but it has also been the focus of the FDA for advertising tactics that seem to stretch its applications. The ads under scrutiny follow a “We’re Not Gonna Take It” theme, and indicate that Yaz can combat common PMS symptoms such as anxiety and irritability.
Bayer received a letter from the FDA warning about the continued airing of these ads, tantamount to false advertising and misleading to consumers. The ads have since been pulled. Here is a link to the warning letter in PDF format from the FDA. Yaz Warning Letter PDF
Yaz is approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe and dramatic form of PMS. Women suffering from PMDD (3% – 8% of the population) experience some of the symptoms of PMS, but in a far more intense and affecting manner. PMDD is considered a mental disorder.
Though the symptoms of PMDD are similar to and, in some cases even identical to PMS, the FDA found that Bayer did not adequately distinguish between PMS and PMDD in its advertisements, leading consumers to believe that Yaz could be used to treat the far-more-common PMS, rather than PMDD.
If you or a loved one have been adversely affected by Yaz or false advertising by Bayer Healthcare, contact on of our Yaz birth control lawyers today by using our contact form or calling us at: 866-843-7367
Filed in: Birth Control Lawyers