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
More recent innovations include the introduction of Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) a low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine delivery system which was launched in Ireland in 2017.2
1960s
First European birth control pill, the combined oral contraceptive Anovlar®* (norethisterone/ethinyl estradiol)
Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)
First levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, Mirena® (52 mg intrauterine delivery system), launched in Ireland in 1998. Mirena® Prescribing Information
First progestogen-only emergency contraception, Levonelle®* (levonorgestrel) launched in Ireland in 2006
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
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) launched in Ireland in 20094. Qlaira® Prescribing Information
First birth control pill approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Qlaira®
Jaydess®▼ (13.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel) launched in Ireland in 2014. Jaydess® Prescribing Information
Kyleena® (19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system levonorgestrel), a low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing IUS launched in Ireland in 2017. Kyleena® Prescribing Information
Present day
Reporting adverse events and quality complaints
If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. physician or pharmacist) or The Health Products Regulatory Authority, Reports can also be reported directly to Bayer through this link or by emailing directly on adr-reland@bayerhealthcare.com