Yaz is an oral contraceptive designed to be taken once daily. Yaz contains a combination of two types of hormones: estrogen and progestin. Progestin has been modified over the years to go beyond mere “birth control” by helping to alleviate many monthly PMS symptoms including irritability, cramping, bloating, and acne. These added benefits make Yaz one of the most popular contraceptives in the country.
Yaz uses the third generation progestin- called desogestrel. This active ingredient can cause elevated levels of potassium in the body which can lead to several life-threatening side effects including heart arrhythmia, serious blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.
While all contraceptive medications carry some risk of blood clot, recent studies have revealed that women using Yaz for birth control have a 2-3% higher risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot than users of other types of birth control. Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer, denies this increased risk and has conducted its own studies which fail to show any difference between Yaz and other types of birth control.
The FDA has previously warned Bayer that their advertisements for Yaz were misleading to consumers, stating that the loud music and distracting images take the focus away from the health concern disclaimers explained in the ad. Even after Bayer changed their commercials, the FDA still had concerns about the safety of the drug. Because of the life-threatening risks associated with taking Yaz, the FDA has issued its strongest warning, a “black box label” on every package of the drug sold.
Currently more than 10,000 women across the country have filed lawsuits against Yaz’s manufacturer- Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Included in those lawsuits are multiple wrongful death claims brought by the families of women who died as the result of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the heart), deep vein thrombosis, or heart attack. The lawsuits claim that Bayer overstated the effectiveness of the drug while understating its risks. The suits further allege that Bayer continued to market and sell Yaz to millions of women, even though they were aware of the serious risks associated with the drug.
If you or someone you know suffered blood clots, stroke, or heart attack following the use of Yaz or Yasmine, you may be entitled to recover for your injuries. Please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, for a free consultation and case evaluation. (833) 606-DRUG [3784].