Pharmaceutical Drug Injury: Yaz

THE SIMPLE FACTS^TM...What is Yaz? Yaz® (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill) introduced in 1997 by Bayer. Recently, the FDA (after its review) issued Bayer, the manufacturer of Yaz, a warning letter for misleading advertising.

Yasmin and Yaz contain ethinyl estradiol. In addition, Yasmin, Yaz and a generic Ocella all apparently contain drospirenone. According to the Yaz label, drospirenone may cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood (possible hyperkalemia in high risk users or people with renal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency or hepatic dysfunction)).

If the potassium levels in your blood go to high, it may cause serious heart and health problems (some of the symptoms or side effects may include stroke (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI)(heart attack), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs), heart attack (myocardial infarction - [MI]), other types of blood clot or blood clots, venous thromboembolsim (blood clots in veins), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombosis (blood clot or clots in leg), thrombophlebitis, phlebitis (blood clot or clots), gallbladder disease and death).

Recent Medical Studies

In addition, a recent article in the British Medical Journal, "The venous thrombotic risk of oral contraceptives, effects of oestrogen dose and progestogen type: results of the MEGA case-control study", states that "Currently available oral contraceptives increased the risk of venous thrombosis" and opines that birth control pills, including birth control pills containing drospirenone, show a 6.3 fold increase in venous thrombosis.

Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

In addition, a recent article on PubMed, "Effects of oral contraception with ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone on oxidative stress in women 18-35 years old", states that "The recently introduced combination of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone induced the heightening of lipid peroxidation correlated with high levels of copper, a situation that could be associated with increased cardiovascular risk."

Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Food & Drug Administration Review and Action

In the FDA warning letter,the FDA explained that it appears that Bayer had been implying through its television commercial advertising that Yaz (birth control pill) was approved to treat the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - such as “irritability,” “moodiness” and “bloating.”

But, according to the FDA's review, Yaz is only approved for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (not PMS), a more serious condition that causes anxiety, tension, persistent anger and other symptoms, and that the ads left the impression that Yaz is approved as a treatment for acne of all severities when this is not the case. Yaz is only approved to treat moderate acne.

Unfortunately, Yaz® may possibly be linked to a variety of symptoms/serious side effects, including:

• Pulmonary embolism

• Myocardial infarction

• Cerebral hemorrhage

• Cerebral thrombosis

• Thrombophlebitis

• Arterial thromboembolism

• Hypertension

• Gallbladder disease

• Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors

• blood clot or blood clots

If you have been prescribed Yaz®, it is very important to watch for any of the possible side effects and/or injuries - stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism, heart attack, blood clot or blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, gallbladder disease and death.

If you have any of these side effects and/or injuries - stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism, heart attack, blood clot or blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, gallbladder disease and death, please consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Quite frankly, the simple facts^TM about the Bayer contraceptive (birth control pill) Yaz® and the possible injuries that may be caused by taking Yaz® are unacceptable.

We are investigating claims of health problems (stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack etc.) in connection with possible side effects, problems and/or injuries (stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), pulmonary embolism, blood clot or blood clots, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, gallbladder disease and death) from the use of Yaz/Yasmin.

In addition, an MDL has been setup in the Southern District of Illinois for Yaz and Yasmin (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (IN RE: Yaz and Yasmin (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation No. 2100).

We are here to help you protect your legal rights and the legal rights of your loved ones.