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FRANKFURT (AFX) - Schering AG's oral contraceptive Yaz is effective in treating symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and may be used as a substitute for antidepressants, according to a study published by Yale University's School of Medicine.
A multi-centre, double-blind, randomised clinical trial involving 450 women in 64 medical centres in the US with symptoms of PMDD, the most severe form of premenstrual syndrome, showed a 48.8 improvement in symptoms using Yaz, compared 36.1 pct with placebo.
The University said the results of the trial show the contraceptive is roughly as effective as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Paxil, which are commonly used as antidepressants.
"It's not necessarily better, but for women who are seeking contraception in addition to control of PMDD, this would be more effective because they could take on treatment," said Kimberly Yonkers, lead author of the study and associate professor at Yale's School of Medicine.
YAZ -- the low dose version of the Yasmin contraceptive -- received an 'approvable letter' last year, delaying market launch, but Schering previously said it remains confident the drug will be approved this year.
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