Multimedia Lone Protestor Rallies Ohio City Against Drugs From Drug Addict to Counselor Documents CDC Report on Sexual Behavior and Drug Use Latest News Idaho gets $115,000 from Sanofi-Aventis settlement FDA panel backs safety, benefits of Spiriva Study raises new questions about Merck pill Zetia FDA finds bits of steel, rubber in Genzyme drugs FDA approves new drug for heavy menstrual bleeding

Buy AP Photo Reprints

Your Questions Answered Ask AP: Shuttle complexity, credit union agency

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal health officials have approved a new drug as the first non-hormonal treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.

The Food and Drug Administration says Lysteda tablets reduce bleeding by acting on a protein that helps blood clot. The drug is made by Newport, Ky.-based Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals.

The main ingredient in the drug was first approved in 1986 as an injection for patients with hemophilia, an inheritable disease that prevents blood clotting.

The FDA warns that taking Lysteda with hormonal contraceptive drugs can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks. Women should only use the products together if there is a strong medical need, the agency says.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

Click here for copyright permissions! Copyright 2008 Associated Press