Yaz and Yasmin Birth Control: Serious Side Effects Risks
Approved for use in the United States in 2001 and 2006 respectively, Yasmin and Yaz are oral contraceptives (birth control) manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. The generic name is Ocella. Yaz is a low-dose form of Yasmin. Both drugs contain Ethinyl Estradiol (estrogen hormones) and Drospirenone (chemical progestin).
Following heavy marketing in the United States, Yaz became popular not only as a contraceptive but for treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS, and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In an eight-page letter dated October 3, 2008, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the company's commercials served to "undermine the communication of important risk information, minimizing these risks and misleadingly suggesting that Yaz is safer than has been demonstrated by substantial evidence or substantial clinical experience."
Conditions Resulting From Use
Dangerous side effects have been associated with the use of Drospirenone, including thrombosis and hyperkalemia, as a result of the antimineralocortoid properties that accompany Drospirenone's diuretic formula. Potassium levels can go to dangerous levels and can lead to stroke, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), liver or kidney failure, gallbladder disease, sudden cardiac death and other problems.
DVT is blood clots in the legs while PE is blood clots in the lungs and dehydration. The effects of PE, especially dehydration, can also lead to gall bladder disease or kidney stones. No other contraceptive in the United States uses Drospirenone in this manner.
Potassium helps to control cardiac rhythm and an imbalance of it is known to disturb the rhythm. Disturbing the heart's rhythm can result in heart attack, stroke, blood clots, DVT, PE and death. In fact, potassium is one of the drugs the government uses in executions.
Ischemic stroke, which is caused by an artery blockage, and hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain, have both been reported by women who have used Yaz or Yasmin. These women had no prior health conditions yet suffered a stroke following the use of Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella.
Get Legal Help
Women who have suffered a serious injury as a result of using Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella, may qualified to receive compensation.
You can discuss your case with a qualified attorney at no cost to you. If a settlement is secured, they attorney will take a percentage of the total settlement and associated costs. You will never receive a bill, so you have nothing to lose.
