Natazia®: a New Combination Oral Contraceptive

JALYN® (DUTASTERIDE/TAMSULOSIN): A NEW OPTION IN BPH n the U.S., the leading method of contraception is the combination oral contraceptive pill. More than 10 million women aged 15-44 years use the birth control pill as their primary method of contraception.1 Since the first BCP approval in 1960, the FDA has approved many oral contraceptive products. Most of these products use ethinyl estradiol (EE) along with one of many progestins approved for use. Natazia®, from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, is a new oral contraceptive approved in May 2010 for the prevention of pregnancy that utilizes a novel estrogen, estradiol valerate (E2V), and progestin, dienogest (DNG).2 While there are many multi-phasic oral contraceptives on the market, Natazia® (E2V/DNG) is the first fourphase product available. E2V/DNG utilizes an estrogen step-down dosing and progestin step-up dosing approach to control the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation.3 This article will review the unique components of E2V/DNG, its pharmacology, adverse effects, and results of recent clinical trials.