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Bayer in women's health

For almost a century, Bayer has been working to make a positive difference to women’s health through pioneering research and innovation.

 

In the 1920s, Bayer—then called Schering AG—made a significant contribution to understanding the molecular structure of sex hormones and launched the world's first oestrogen preparation for menopause management. This firmly set Bayer as a pioneer in women’s healthcare and, in 1961, Bayer became the first company to launch a contraceptive pill in Europe, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone acetate/ethinylestradiol)1. Anovlar is no longer produced.

 

More recent innovations include the introduction of Kyleena® (19.5mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) a low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine delivery system which was launched in the UK in 2018.2

Bayer’s innovations in women’s health timeline:

1960

First European birth control pill, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar® (norethisterone/ethinylestradiol). Anovlar is no longer produced.

Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)

First levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, Mirena® (52mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), launched in the UK in 19951

Progestogen-only emergency contraception, launched in the UK

Low-estrogen dose contraceptive pill

First pill to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, in the US for women who choose the contraceptive pill for birth control

Jaydess® (13.5mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) was launched in 2014

First oral contraceptive pill to contain the oestrogen estradiol valerate, an oestrogen that is immediately converted to estradiol in a woman’s body, Qlaira® (estradiol valerate/dienogest)2

First birth control pill approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Qlaira®

Kyleena® (19.5mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), a low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing IUS was launched in the UK in 2018

Present day

  • Costescu DJ. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems for long-acting contraception: current perspectives, safety, and patient counseling. Int J Womens Health. 2016;8:589–598. Published 2016 Oct 13. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S99705 Return to content
  • Bayer Plc. Qlaira®, film-coated tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics [online]. Updated 17 December 2018. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6536 [Last accessed: January 2022]. Return to content

Bayer offers a number of contraception methods for women, depending on their personal needs. These include:

PP-PF-WHC-GB-1006 May 2022

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Reporting adverse events and quality complaints

 

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Bayer plc.

 

If you want to report an adverse event or quality complaint, reports can be directed to: Tel: 011820‍63500 or email: pvuk@bayer.com

 

Further information is available on the “contact” tab at www.bayer.co.uk.