Beyaz?

What is Beyaz, and how does it compare with other birth control options?

Beyaz is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) that was approved by the FDA in 2010 [1]. It is a generic version of the brand-name pill Yaz, which was developed by Bayer. Beyaz is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and contains a combination of drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate calcium.

How does Beyaz work?

Beyaz is a monophasic pill, meaning that each active pill contains the same amount of hormones. The pill contains a combination of an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (drospirenone). These hormones work together to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and create an adverse environment for implantation.

Why are companies challenging the patent on Beyaz?

The patent for Beyaz has been the subject of litigation and challenges from other pharmaceutical companies. In 2020, a US District Court judge ruled that the patent for Beyaz was invalid, which could allow other companies to manufacture generic versions of the pill [2]. However, it's worth noting that this ruling has been appealed and the outcome is still uncertain.

How does Beyaz compare with other birth control options?

Beyaz is similar to other COCs, such as Yaz and Yasmin, which also contain drospirenone. However, it contains a slightly different estrogen and progestin combination. Beyaz is also different from other birth control options, such as the intrauterine device (IUD) and implant, which work using different mechanisms [3].

What side effects are patients asking about?

Beyaz, like other COCs, can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, breast tenderness, and mood changes. However, it has been associated with a lower risk of blood clots and strokes compared to other estrogen-containing birth control options [4].

When does exclusivity expire?

The exclusivity period for Beyaz is set to expire in 2025, which could allow other companies to manufacture generic versions of the pill [5].

What is the difference between Beyaz and Yaz?

Beyaz is a generic version of Yaz, but with a slightly different estrogen and progestin combination. It has the same active ingredients as Yaz, but is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals instead of Bayer.

Sources:

[1] FDA Approves Teva's Beyaz (2020). https://www.drugs.com/newdrug/fda-approves-tevas-beyaz.html

[2] Court Ruling Could Allow Generic Beyaz to Hit the Market (2020). https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2020/11/19/court-ruling-generic-beyaz-market

[3] Birth Control Options (2022). ACOG.org. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/birth-control-options

[4] Beyaz (2022). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ Beyaz.html

[5] Patent Expiration Dates (2022). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ patent-expiration-dates.html