Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an umbrella term that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).  VTE refers to the situation in which a blood clot forms in a vein.  A blood clot occurs whenever the blood thickens and clumps together. Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot forms in a deep…

Both Yaz and Yasmin are produced by Bayer Healthcare and contain the same active ingredients, but they contain them in different proportions.  Yasmin contains more ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg), while Yaz contains only 20 mcg. The number of active pills in each cycle differs between these two drugs as well.  Yasmin has 21 active pills…

Yaz has been approved by the FDA to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder.  In its initial advertisements however, Bayer implied that Yaz could be used to treat the far less serious symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual symptoms) as well.  A warning letter from the FDA was issued, forcing Bayer to change their ads. So what exactly is…

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…