Oral Contraceptives Yaz and Yasmin Linked to Dangerous Blood Clots

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Bayer HealthCare is facing a series of lawsuits alleging that its oral contraceptives, Yasmin and Yaz, lead to serious complications that Bayer did not adequately disclose to consumers. Yasmin and Yaz are low estrogen oral contraceptives. Yasmin was approved in the U.S. in 2001, while Yaz, which contains even less estrogen, was approved in 2006.

Yaz and Yasmin Heart Problems

YAZ contains a synthetic type of progestin called drospirenone. This ingredient, not used in any other birth control pill approved in the United States, has been linked to hyperkalemia, a condition caused by excessive amounts of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia may lead to serious heart problems and other medical conditions, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, pulmonary embolism, kidney failure and death.

As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a third warning to Bayer regarding "misleading" advertising. The FDA warning concludes that Bayer overstated the efficiency of the contraceptives and minimized the risks. Bayer has agreed to spend millions of dollars revamping two TV spots to include more details about the risks and limitations of the drug, but maintains that the pills do not pose any additional health risks than those posed by all oral contraceptives. In fact, Bayer has financed a large European study that confirmed the manufacturer's claims.

Yaz and Yasmin Lawsuits

Failure to adequately inform the public about potential risks associated with medication(s) is one of several legal theories under which pharmaceutical-drug-liability suits are filed. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to disclose known side effects to consumers, either directly or by making relevant information available to physicians.

If you or your loved one has suffered a debilitating injury while using Yaz or Yasmin, you may be entitled to compensation. The defective drug lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz are among the most experienced lawyers in Florida who can inform you of your legal rights. Contact the AWKO team at (888) 255-2956 to learn more.