Bayer Uses Advertising to turn Yaz into a Blockbuster Drug

With most women suffering emotional side effects from their menstrual cycles, Bayer saw the opportunity to capitalize on this significant market.  If they could create a birth control pill that also addressed PMS problems, such a pill would surely be a hit.

They got close, but failed.  Bayer failed to produce any science to support the claim that their fourth-generation birth control pill containing dsrp improved PMS symptoms.  The FDA therefore did not grant approval.  They did however grant approval for Yaz to be used as a treatment for the much more serious PMDD.

Not easily discouraged, Bayer decided to capitalize on the fact that the majority of women do not know the difference between PMS and PMDD.  And so they launched a massive advertising campaign promoting Yaz as not only an effective birth control, but also as a treatment for PMS and acne.

Here’s how effective $270 million in advertising was: according to the New York Times, before these ads ran, sales for Yaz were $262 million.  After the ads, sales turned into $616 million a year.

Once the FDA caught on to what Bayer was doing, Bayer was required to spend $20 million in corrective advertising as part of a settlement.  This was only the beginning of Bayer’s troubles with regard to Yaz.

Soon after, studies showing the link between Yaz and blood clots began arising, culminating in a black box warning and a slew of lawsuits.  But not before Bayer has made billions of dollars off of their actions.

If you or a loved one have suffered deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other blood clot issues as a result of Yaz, Yasmin, or any of their generic equivalents, contact an attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP today.  You are entitled to compensation, and there is still time to recover.  Contact us today.