Watson Laboratories, a subsidiary of Watson Pharmaceuticals has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a generic version of Plan B, an over-the-counter contraceptive.
The FDA approved Watson’s levonorgestrel tablets 0.75mg for over-the-counter use in women aged 17 and above as well as for prescription use in women under the age of 17.
Levonorgestrel tablets, which will be marketed under the name Next Choice, are reportedly the generic equivalent to Duramed Pharmaceuticals’ Plan B, which is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
Plan B had total US sales of approximately $135m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2009.