Watson Gets Approval for Emergency Contraceptive

Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Friday it received Food and Drug Administration approval for its over-the-counter version of the emergency contraceptive Plan B, which is made by Barr Pharmaceuticals unit Duramed.

The drug is already available over the counter.

Watson will call its version Next Choice. It is meant to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Watson said U.S. sales of Plan B reached $135 million during the 12 months ended June 30, 2009.

Shares of Watson rose 11 cents to $35.46 in after-hours trading after rising 33 cents to close at $35.35 during the regular trading session.

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