Yaz and Blood Clots
The drug Yaz (Yasmin and Ocella) has been the focus of recent lawsuits and medical criticism in the recent years for its alleged increased risks of blood clots formation. It has been alleged that the novel component drospirenone, used in Yaz, Yasmin, and its generic form Ocella, causes dehydraytion leading to an increase in blood clots. The science is still developing and this is currently unproven. This article discusses the common symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus.
Yaz and Blood Clots
Yaz is a blockbuster selling oral contraceptive in the USA. The drug has been the focus of recent lawsuits and medical criticism in the recent years for its alleged increased risks of blood clots formation. It has been alleged that the novel component drospirenone, used in Yaz, Yasmin, and its generic form Ocella, causes dehydraytion leading to an increase in blood clots. The science is still developing and this is currently unproven.
While medical experts, health authorities, and lawyers still argue on whether Yaz causes blood clots at a rate higher than other birth control pills, it may be of practical use and essential importance for people, taking these birth control pills, to know the basics of blood clots and understand clearly what a blood clot feels like.
Blood clotting is a natural process when blood turns from liquid form into a semisolid mass to stop bleeding. However, under certain circumstances, blood clots start to form in the wrong places, where there is no bleeding to stop, and may cause dangerous and even life-threatening conditions. As it relates to Yaz, blood clots usually manifest themselves in two conditions: deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Deep venous thrombosis is a medical condition, when blood clots develop in the deep veins of the lower legs, thighs, or pelvis.
Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be relatively not dangerous in itself. However, when a blood clot breaks off the leg vein and starts traveling with the bloodstream, it can be pumped into the lungs and clog tiny blood vessels in there.(1) This is a far more serious condition, called pulmonary embolism. According to the statistical data, about 2 million Americans develop deep venous thrombosis each year, and about 650.000 people die each year from pulmonary embolism.(4) Pulmonary embolism is named the third most common cause of death in the USA.
Deep Venous Thrombosis Symptoms
When a blood clot blocks a deep vein in the lower leg, it usually causes the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Redness
The pain mostly develops gradually over time, sometimes getting stronger when bending the foot. The skin on the affected extremity may become bluish or whitish. Notably, 30-35% of people with deep venous thrombosis do not feel any symptoms at all.(4,5)
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
Blood clots, formed in the legs or other parts of the human body, may sometimes block one or more arteries in the human lungs, causing a serious and life-threatening condition, called pulmonary embolism. Most often, the symptoms of pulmonary embolism are as follows:
- Sudden shortness of breath with no obvious reason
- Chest pain
- Coughing (sometimes with blood sputum)
Pulmonary embolism symptoms appear suddenly and develop rapidly. Shortness of breath may start even when a person is at rest. Chest pain may feel like a heart attack, becoming stronger with the deep breath or during eating or coughing. (7,8) Since blood clots in the lungs pose a serious risk to life, in case of experiencing any of the pulmonary embolism symptoms, it is necessary to seek for the urgent medical help.
Resources for Yaz and Blood Clots:
- New York Times web site. Health Concerns Over Popular Contraceptives. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/26/health/26contracept.html. Accessed on January 6, 2010
- American Medical Association. Complete Medical Encyclopedia. New York: Random House Reference; 2003.
- Emedicinehealth web site. Blood clots in the legs. Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/blood_clot_in_the_legs/article_em.htm. Accessed on January 6, 2010.
- Medicinenet web site. Deep Vein Thrombosis. Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/deep_vein_thrombosis/article.htm Accessed on January 6, 2010.
- Mayo Clinic web site. Pulmonary embolism. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-embolism/DS00429. Accessed on January 6, 2010.
- National Institute of Health web site. Pulmonary embolism signs and symptoms. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pe/pe_signs.html. Accessed on January 6, 2010.