Serious and/or deadly medical complications can include sudden death, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, blood clots (DMV- deep vein thrombosis), liver tumors, gallbladder disease, depression & more.
The birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin are the #1 selling oral contraceptives on the US market today, grossing over $391M in the first half of 2009, up 44% from the year before, according to IMS Health, a health data and information provider.
These staggering sales are partly due to the aggressive marketing campaign put forth by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Yaz ( may also be known by its generic name, Ocella) and Yasmin. The FDA approved Yasmin 2001, and Yaz in 2006.
Now these two oral contraceptives are the subject of multiple lawsuits that allege they are responsible for several life-threatening complications to include blood clots, gallbladder disease, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks (myocardial infarction), sudden death, stroke, thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis - DVT), high blood pressure, liver tumors, depression, edema and weight gain. This long list of potential injuries have caused many women to stop using the drug.
Due to its many alarming side effects, Yaz lawsuits are increasing across the US. To date, a total of 32 federal lawsuits have been filed throughout the country on behalf of Yaz victims. These lawsuits are based on claims of strict liability, negligence, and failure to warn.
These fourth generation birth control pills are made of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and the progestin drospirenone, a synthetic progestin hormone. Yaz contains a lower dose of estrogen than Yasmin. Yaz is a form of birth control that prevents ovulation and also works to cause changes in the cervical and uterine lining in a woman's body in order to prevent pregnancy. These changes make it hard for sperm to reach the uterus and they also make it difficult for an egg to become fertilized. This way it cannot become attached to the uterus.
Yaz has been prescribed primarily as a contraceptive medication, however it has also been prescribed to teenage girls to treat mild acne, and to all women as a treatment for premenstrual disorders. It contains less estradiol compared to Yasmin. Yaz contains a different kind of hormone than other birth control pills. The hormone, drospirenone, can cause an increase in potassium which can lead to hyperkalemia. It has become clear that drospirenone can have uniquely dangerous side effects.
Gallbladder disease is one of the most common side effects from Yaz and Yasmin, both of which increase the amount of estrogen in the female body. This increase in estrogen level raises the bodies cholesterol level, increasing the risk of developing gallstones within the gallbladder, which is part of the liver. Painful attacks from gallstones are generally felt in the back or the abdomen, and can occur in rapid succession, lasting up to five hours. Gallstones can become a recurring injury, lasting a lifetime often requiring surgical removal of the gall bladder, itself.
Many women with no family history of blood clots or stroke problems have unfortunately experienced life-changing injuries including permanent loss of movement, difficulty communicating, and permanent loss of brain functions. Yaz has caused strokes where no other health problems exist. This condition is marked by unsafe levels of potassium that can disrupt normal heart rhythms and slow the flow of blood leading to potential clotting. Women with high blood potassium, women taking NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen) and/or women taking ACE inhibitors may be at higher risk for complications. Yaz induced blood clots can break forth from the wall of the vein and travel in the bloodstream toward the heart, lungs or brain. If they create an obstruction in any key blood vessel the clot can trigger a heart attack, pulmonary embolism and/or stroke.
In recent months, a number of lawsuits have been filed over Yaz and Yasmin. Hummer Law Offices is proud to represent clients who have suffered injuries as a result of these defective oral contraceptives, and other defective drugs and medical products.
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