FDA Finds Drug Commercials Misleading, Bayer Pulls The Ads
(Washington, DC) -- The FDA says two TV commercials for Bayer's birth control pill Yaz are misleading. Health regulators said the ads imply the pills are approved for relieving premenstrual syndrome symptoms when in fact they are not. The FDA also said the ads marginalize the risks associated with taking the drug. Bayer already pulled one of the two ads, featuring women singing "we're not gonna take it" while kicking and punching balloons labeled "irritability," "moodiness," and "bloating." Those symptoms are common to PMS. Yaz, however, is cleared for a more serious condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder which causes anxiety, tension, persistent anger and other symptoms. Bayer announced it will also pull the other ad.
The FDA said the ads distracted viewers with a rapid succession of images and background music to mask the information about the drug's potential side effects. Blood clots are among the potential side effects. FDA officials also say Yaz is not approved for acne of all severities as claimed in the ads. |