Yaz® (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is one of the many
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills) available. In addition to preventing pregnancy, Yaz is approved to treat acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Yaz is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Yaz from being manufactured in the United States.
When Will Generic Yaz Be Available?
The first patent for Yaz currently expires in June 2014. However, Barr Pharmaceuticals (a major generic drug manufacturer) and the makers of Yaz have entered into a settlement in which Barr will be allowed to market a generic version of Yaz no later than July 2011. Since Barr has since been bought out by Teva Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Teva will be the one to make the expected generic version of Yaz.
Will My Insurance Cover Yaz?
Each insurance company is different. There has been a long history of insurance companies not covering contraceptive products, although this is beginning to change. Because Yaz is not yet available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher co-payment if your insurance company does cover contraceptive drugs.
