Sandoz launches Syeda

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic oral contraceptive made by Sandoz, the company said Wednesday.

Sandoz, the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis, announced the launch of Syeda (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) tablets in the 3-mg/0.03-mg strength.

The drug is a generic version of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals’ Yasmin. Yasmin and generic versions of the drug had sales of about $365 million during the 12-month period ended in April, according to IMS Health.