In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert about the serious risks associated with the oral birth control Yasmin and Yaz. The makers of the contraceptives, Bayer Healthcare and Berlex Laboratories are currently under investigation due to concerns that Yasmin and Yaz were designed, manufactured, produced, distributed and advertised negligently and improperly.

Side Effects Include:

• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• PE (Pulmonary Embolism)
• Blood Clots
• Heart Attack
• Stroke/Eye Stroke
• Gall Baldder Removal
• Death

These serious injuries have been linked to drospirenone, which works against the body's normal regulation of salt and water. This causes high potassium levels, also called hyperkalemia, which results in serious heart problems and other serious health issues.

Yasmin and Yaz users have also reported migraine headaches, depression and mood swings. Many women reported a disruption of normal menstrual patterns, endometriosis and fatigue. The worst side effects diagnosed were stroke and pancreatitis. The strokes were caused by blood clots and Yasmin and Yaz users exhibited the highest occurrences of strokes than users of any other oral contraceptives.

Although there are numerous brands of birth control pills available, Yasmin and Yaz dominate the market with more than a quarter market share between them. One of the reasons for the popularity of Yaz was Bayer’s aggressive promotion. However, certain television advertisements for Yaz caused the FDA to issue a warning letter to Bayer saying that the commercials overstated the drug’s benefits while understating its risks. The Attorney Generals of 27 states joined the FDA in claiming that Bayer’s ads ran afoul of federal laws against promoting unapproved uses of a drug. The ads allegedly implied that Yaz could be used to treat or cure a variety of other conditions associated with menstruation such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), acne, and muscle aches.

Yaz and Yasmin are already the subject of multiple federal lawsuits. The lawsuits allege that Bayer failed to warn of the increased risk of injury associated with these birth control pills while over promoting their benefits. Furthermore, the FDA has allegedly received many more reports of adverse events for Yaz and Yasmin than for other birth control pills that have been on the market longer.

Individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of Yaz or Yasmin birth control are eligible to seek compensation for their losses by filing a lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been harmed by the use of Yasmin or Yaz, please contact us now. We can help!