WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal health regulators say several new
birth control drugs, including the Bayer pill Yaz, appear to
increase the risk of dangerous blood clots more than older
medications.
A new study released by the Food and Drug Administration
reviewed the medical history of more than 800,000 women taking
different forms of birth control between 2001 and 2007. On average,
woman taking Yaz had significantly higher rates of blood clots than
women taking older birth control drugs.
The agency also reports higher complications in women using the
Ortho Evra patch from Johnson & Johnson and the Nuvaring vaginal
ring from Merck & Co. Inc.
Recent studies have reached differing conclusions on the risks
of newer birth control pills. The FDA is holding a public meeting
in December to discuss the data.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)