Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:TEVA) has unveiled the authorized generic version of Minastrin, an oral contraceptive that is combined with progestin/estrogen. This now brings Teva’s oral contraceptive portfolio to over 50 ensuring that approximately 50% of prescriptions for oral contraceptives in the United States are a product of the global pharmaceutical firm that is headquartered in Israel.
Generic portfolio
Teva also boasts one of the broadest portfolios of generic products that have received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, the pharmaceutical giant has close to 600 generic treatments available in the market. About one in six prescriptions for a generic product in the United States is for a treatment manufactured by Teva.
Teva is also in a leading position when it comes to first-to-file opportunities. At present the number of first-to-file opportunities that are pending in the United States for the Israel-based company total more than 100. According to data from IMS, total sales for Minastrin in the United States for 2016 were about $361 million.
Smoking risk
When using Minastrin, women are advised to avoid smoking as this raises the risk of serious cardiovascular events. The risk is higher in women who are aged over 35 years. Additionally, the more the cigarettes smoked the higher the risk.
The generic version of Minastrin should also not be used in women who are pregnant as well as those who are at risk of breast cancer or any other cancer that is sensitive to progestin or estrogen. It is also not recommended for those at risk of liver disease, liver tumors, or venous or arterial thrombotic diseases.
High blood pressure
A prescription for the generic version of Minastrin should also be avoided for women who suffer from uncontrolled hypertension. Also, there should be monitoring of women who are suffering from diabetes or who are prediabetic and are taking Minastrin. Women suffering from uncontrolled dyslipidemia should also consider alternative contraceptive methods. Users who notice irregular bleeding or changes in headaches should also seek medical advice.
In Friday’s trading session shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries fell by 0.85% to close the day at $33.64.
