Side Effects of Yaz

The Lyon Firm is actively investigating cases where consumers, following the use of the birth control pill Yasmin, have reported injuries and side effects due to “increased serum potassium" and "dehydration". The associated injuries may include symptoms of hyperkalemia and heart rhythm disturbances and a diagnosis of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, kidney failure, gallbladder disease and death.

HOW IS YASMIN (YAZ) DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CONTRACEPTIVES?

Yasmin (Yaz) is a combination birth control pill that contains the estrogen ethinyl estradiol and the progestin drospirenone. The difference between Yaz and the alternative dual hormone birth control pills on the market is drospirenone, which is new to USA markets and is unlike other available progestins. Drospirenone is a close chemical cousin of spironolactone, a diuretic (water pill) that causes the body to retain potassium.

PUBLIC CITIZEN LISTS YAZ AS A “DO NOT USE” DRUG

Public Citizen, the national consumer advocate, listed Yaz as a Do Not Use drug. Public citizen reported that drospirenone can lead to hyperkalemia which causes elevated blood levels of potassium that may cause serious heart and other health conditions such as change in the acid balance of the blood and muscle weakness. Public Citizen also reports that there is no evidence that Yaz is superior in any way to older contraceptive products.

FDA STATEMENT ON YAZ

Moreover, the FDA issued a warning stating that Yaz which contains, Drospirenone, may act as a diuretic, causing dehydration. Dehydration can cause gallbladder disease. Elevated levels of potassium can cause hyperkalemia and heart rhythm disturbances, resulting in the formation of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and even death.

YAZ AND GALLBLADDER DISEASE

At least one clinical study, conducted in the Netherlands, showed a slightly increased risk of gallbladder disease in women taking oral contraceptives. The study indicated that the risk was very dose-related: that is, the higher estrogen concentration, the higher risks of gallbladder disease. In line with this conclusion, the official Yaz product label recommends that all the patients with gallbladder disease history should report this history to their doctors before taking Yaz. However, the Yaz warning label goes on to state “oral contraceptive users probably have a greater risk than nonusers of having gallbladder disease, although this risk may be related to pills containing high doses of estrogens.” Since Yaz is marketed as a lower estrogen pill, the manufacturer seems to distinguish Yaz as having a lower risk of gallbladder disease than other available drugs. As discussed below, it is not known whether Yaz has a lower risk of gallbladder disease but in fact, Yaz may be associated with an increased risk of gallbladder disease.

If you, a loved one, friend, or co-worker have used or are using Yaz, please contact Mr. Joseph Lyon at The Lyon Firm to discuss your situation and possible legal remedies. The consultation and review is free and the representation, if offered, is on a contingency fee.