Birth Control and Blood Clots: the Dangers of Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Ocella

MIAMI, FL, September 27, 2012 (Press-News.org) In 2011, Yasmin was the 4th most-prescribed oral contraceptive in the United States and brought in $1.1 billion in sales for Bayer. The wonder drug was marketed as a low-dose birth control pill (it contains less than .035 milligrams of estrogen) that could reduce the symptoms of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and moderate cases of acne.

By July 2012, Bayer Pharmaceuticals had spent over $400 million to settle claims that its 'wonder drug' Yasmin-line of birth control is actually a very dangerous drug. That amounts to 1,900 cases of serious or deadly side effects, including the formation of dangerous blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke.

That is not the end of the harm caused by the defective and dangerous drug, however. Bayer has set aside another $200 million to deal with legal claims related to problems caused by taking Yaz, Yasmin or Beyaz. Some analysts estimate that clot claims from the birth control pills could reach as high as $2.5 billion. The drug maker itself estimates that there are over 12,000 existing claims for Yaz-related side effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acting on evidence that a synthetic hormone - drospirenone -found in Yasmin, was three times more likely to cause blood clots than existing birth control pill options, called for stronger warning labels in April of this year.

The Difference Between Yaz And 'Older' Birth Control Pills - Progestin Drospirenone

The Yasmin-line of oral contraceptives used a synthetic form of progestin called progestin drospirenone rather than the typical progestin used in 'older' birth control pills. As early as 2009, at least five major studies reported that drospirenone was linked to an increased risk of developing blood clots when compared to traditional progestin-containing birth control pills.

Drospirenone is a diuretic; it can cause the body to shed water, making blood thicker and clotting more likely. Drospirenone has also been linked to higher levels of potassium in the blood stream, called hyperkalemia, which can cause irregular heartbeats.

Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Ocella

The Yasmin-line of birth control pills all contain the dangerous synthetic hormone drospirenone. Yaz, Yasmin and Beyaz are all produced by Bayer Pharmaceutical. Ocella is considered a generic version of the oral contraceptive and is produced by Barr Pharmaceuticals.

Beyaz also contains folic acid, or folate, which has been proven to help build vital stores of B9 vitamin and reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects in newborns. Although the common purpose of oral contraceptives is to protect against pregnancy, the drug maker asserted that no form of birth control pill is 100 percent effective. The addition of folate to Beyaz was intended to decrease the likelihood of neural tube defects in unintended pregnancies.

Alleged Side Effects Of Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Ocella

The life-threatening side effects of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives include:

- Deep vein thrombosis (DVTs), venous thromboemolism (VTEs) or blood clots in the legs
- Pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the lungs
- Blood clots that travel to the heart or brain resulting in heart attack or stroke
- Gallbladder damage or failure
- Kidney damage

According to Swiss media, more than 200 women have died after taking Yaz or other similar drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives.

If you or a loved one has been injured while or after taking Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz or Ocella, a personal injury attorney in your area can advise you of any legal claims you may have against the defective drug's manufacturer, Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

The South Florida trial lawyers of Freidin - Dobrinsky have been helping individuals secure compensation after the negligence, recklessness or bad acts of another forces them to deal with serious personal injury. After more than 300 jury trials and a history of achieving exceptional results on behalf of clients, Freidin - Dobrinsky focuses on providing quality legal services to each and every individual and family we work with.

To learn more about the personal injury lawyers of Freidin - Dobrinsky, please visit http://www.freidindobrinsky.com. If you or a loved one has been injured, call 866-495-8060 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an experienced South Florida attorney at our Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Fort Myers office.

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Additional Resources:
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