Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella Place Women at Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

“As of November [2009], the Food and Drug Administration had received reports of 993 cases of pulmonary embolism… 487 of deep vein thrombosis… and 229 of other blood clots for the two medications combined,” reported the LA Times regarding Yaz and Yasmin, and the generic version Ocella in a recent article. As of mid- February Bayer Healthcare is facing some 1,100 lawsuits in the United States due to injuries reportedly caused by these two birth control dugs.

Yaz and Yasmin are part of what is called the “fourth-generation” group of oral contraceptives, which contain estrogen along with drospirenone- another progestin used to avoid side effects of pills created before and to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD. Last year the FDA issued Bayer a warning for exaggerating Yaz’s ability to treat PMDD and acne while understating the risks involved with taking the medication. Some studies on the safety of drospirenone, or DSP, show a sixfold larger risk of blood clots when taking DSP. A 2009 study conducted involving over 3,000 women in the Netherlands showed the risk of getting blood clots at 6.3 times greater with the use of DSP. Furthermore, Yasmin has already been placed on Public Citizen’s Health Research Group’s “Do Not Use” list due to the fact that it can raise blood potassium levels.

Scott Levensten, Esquire, of the Levensten Law Firm, has successfully represented injured victims of harmful side effects for nearly 15 years.  Mr. Levensten has a significant base of clients who suffered from a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and gallbladder injury on Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella.  If you would like Mr. Levensten to represent you or a loved one, please contact us through this site, or you may email Mr. Levensten at sdl@levenstenlawfirm.com, or call the firm’s toll free number (800)-510-1325.