MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. has begun rolling out Zarah, a generic oral contraceptive.

The company said Tuesday that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories Inc., received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Zarah 3 mg/0.03 mg (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets), the generic equivalent to Bayer’s Yasmin.

Watson reported that Bayer’s lawsuit against the company, which alleges that Watson’s product infringes on Bayer’s patent, remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Yasmin and its generic equivalents had total U.S. sales of approximately $97 million for the 12 months ended June 30, according to IMS Health cited by Watson.

Zarah tablets are indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use an oral contraceptive. The drug also results in shorter, lighter periods along with reduced cramps and a regular menstrual cycle, and it helps with some symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).