Beyaz is in a 24/4 day regimen consisting of 24 days of drospirenone 3 mg/EE 20 mcg with levomefolate calcium (Metafolin?®) followed by four days of Metafolin only.  Beyaz is expected to be available in October by prescription only.  

Beyaz increases the risk of serious conditions including blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Risk of these conditions is highest during the first year of use. Women should not take Beyaz if they have or have had blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, or if they are or may be pregnant.

In addition, Beyaz contains drospirenone, a different kind of hormone that for some may increase potassium too much. Therefore, women should not take Beyaz if they have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease because this could cause serious heart and health problems.  Women who are on daily, long-term treatment for a chronic condition with medications that may also increase potassium, should consult with their healthcare provider as they should have a blood test to check their potassium level during the first month of taking Beyaz.

"Beyaz is the first of our planned portfolio of Bayer oral contraceptives (OC) containing Metafolin.  Beyaz enables women who choose an OC as their method of contraception to also raise their folate levels during continued use," said Leslie North, Vice President of Marketing, Women's HealthCare, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.  "The benefits of folate for NTD risk reduction are well documented.  Women who use Beyaz incorporate folate supplementation as part of their daily OC routine."

SOURCE Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.