Two new studies show women who take birth control pills with the newer hormone, drospirenone, have a higher risk for developing potentially serious blood clots than women who take pills that have the older hormone levonorgestrel. According to a news report on WebMD, Women in the studies took oral contraceptives containing drospirenone such as Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Gianvi and Zarah. These medications increased the risk of nonfatal blood clots by two to three times. Researchers say roughly one out of 10,000 women who take these pills for a year could develop a clot. So far, at least four other studies have linked the use of drospirenone-containing birth control pills to increased risk of pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis.
Bayer Disputes Studies
Bayer, the company which manufactures Yaz and Yasmin, maintains that these studies are flawed. They say that the risk of blood clots among women taking drospirenone-containing birth control pills is not much higher than those taking other birth control pills.
Company officials say that oral contraceptives like Yaz and Yasmin “are among the most widely studied and widely used prescription drugs on the planet.”
Even though these medications can be an effective means of birth control, these recent studies underscore the importance of giving women the information they need to make an informed decision. It is the drug maker’s responsibility to inform consumers about all the potential health risks and side effects associated with what could be dangerous or defective products. Some of the known side effects of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella include blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, liver tumors and gallbladder disease.
Liability Issues
Yasmin (approved by the FDA in 2001) and Yaz (approved by the FDA in 2006) are birth control medications manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. Ocella, is the generic form which is marketed and distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the FDA in 2008.
If you or a loved one has experienced serious health problems or side effects associated with Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will fight for your rights and ensure that the manufacturer of these dangerous and defective drugs is held accountable. The best pharmaceutical litigation attorneys will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.