Sandoz launches generic contraceptives

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved and launched two generic contraceptives made by Sandoz, the drug maker said.

Sandoz, the generics division of Swiss drug maker Novartis, announced the approval of Estarylla (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets) and Tri-Estarylla (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets), generic versions of Johnson & Johnson's Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, respectively. Sandoz said the launches brought the total number of oral contraceptives it has launched since the beginning of 2011 to six.

"We are pleased to add two more products to our portfolio of oral contraceptives," Sandoz president Don DeGolyer said. "Sandoz is committed to helping meet the needs of women in the U.S. by providing cost-saving, high-quality options for women's healthcare."

Ortho Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen had sales of $116 million and $240 million, respectively, during the 12-month period that ended in January 2013.