Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals has said that the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved Natazia tablets that contain estrogen and progestin.

Current oral contraceptives contain ethinylestradiol, an estrogen, but Natazia contains estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest, a progestin, to prevent pregnancy.

Dr. Anita Nelson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center, in Torrance, Calif., said in a statement, "Every woman's body reacts differently to hormones, so it is important that they have a choice in birth control options. Natazia may be a good option for women to consider when making a decision with their healthcare provider about which birth control option is right for them."

Natazia, expected to be available in the summer, has not been evaluated in women with a body mass index of more than 30.

Nelson further said that women using combination oral contraceptives, including Natazia, should be advised not to smoke because it could increase their risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.

Bayer also said that Natazia is associated with increased risk including: venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic events such as heart attack or stroke, gallbladder disease, hypertension, ruptured ovarian cyst and uterine leiomyoma. (With Inputs from Agencies)