Yaz & Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin, and the generic version Ocella, are "fourth generation" birth control pills that have been linked to serious and sometimes fatal side effects including stroke, heart attack, and personality changes in otherwise healthy young women.
The Dangerous Ingredient in Yaz and Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin are combination contraceptives, meaning they contain a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. Combination birth control pills have been used for decades. They have always carried some potential health risks, but Yaz and Yasmin have a new risk. They can cause dangerously elevated potassium levels.
The synthetic progestin in Yaz and Yasmin is a newly developed progestin called drospirenone an analog to the diuretic spironolactone. Elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) is a known side effect of spironolactone and drospirenone.
Side Effects of Yaz and Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin can have physical and emotional side effects. At least 50 deaths have been linked to their use. Physical side effects can include:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - blood clots in the legs
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) - blood clots in the lungs
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Gall bladder disease
- Pancreatitis
- Liver damage
- Headaches
- Sudden death
Emotional side effects of the popular birth control pills can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Emotional lability
The Difference between Yaz and Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin both contain drospirenone and estradiol, but there are some differences:
- Yasmin contains .03 mg of ethinyl estradiol per pill
- Yasmin is taken for 21 days of a 28 day cycle.
- Yasmin is only prescribed to prevent pregnancy.
- Yaz contains .02 mg of ethinyl estradiol per pill
- Yaz is taken for 24 days of a 28 day cycle.
- Yaz is prescribed to prevent pregnancy, to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and to treat moderate acne.
Yaz and Yasmin Lawsuits
According to Bayer’s 2009 annual report about 1,100 Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella lawsuits have been filed against the drug maker. The lawsuits allege that Bayer failed to adequately research the birth control pill and failed to warn patients of the risks. It is estimated that the number of women filing suit may rise to 25,000.
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with attorneys general of 27 states required Bayer to spend $20 million on an ad campaign to correct previous deceptive campaigns which the FDA said overstated the benefits and downplayed the risks of taking Yaz.
If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Smith & Smith at 1-999-999-9999 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.