Birth-control pill that limits periods OK’d

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, May 25, 2006

WASHINGTON – An extended-cycle birth control pill that limits women to just four menstrual periods a year received federal approval Thursday.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Seasonique, a spokeswoman said. The pill is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., a unit of Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

The pill is similar to the company’s Seasonale, which was approved by the FDA in 2003. Both include a standard birth control pill that’s taken for 84 days.

With Seasonique, however, women then take low-dose estrogen pills for seven days, instead of the sugar pills that accompany Seasonale and most other birth control pills.

Keeping women on estrogen instead of dummy pills during the menstrual cycle limits hormonal fluctuation, bloating and breakthrough bleeding, according to the company.

Seasonique should be available for prescription sales in July.