Bayer Offers Yaz Settlements

Finally, some good news for women suffering from side effects from Yaz: A U.S. law firm is reporting that Bayer Healthcare, the manufacturer of Yaz, has consented to pay Yaz settlements for about 70 lawsuits. Women plaintiffs involved in these cases have experienced blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and other side effects associated with the birth control medication Yaz.

Bayer to Pay 70+ Yaz Settlements

In 2011, Bayer’s Annual Financial Report included a legal risks section that indicated several successful Yaz settlements; the settlement amounts were not disclosed. However, Bayer also stated that it had plans to review other pending lawsuits, and would evaluate future Yaz settlements on a case-by-case basis. This news coincided with the postponement of the first bellwether trial in ongoing Yaz multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Studies Warn of Yaz Blood Clots

Bayer Corporation has good cause to be concerned regarding mounting reports of side effects, especially blood clots. In December 2011, an independent advisory panel released its opinion that the drug’s warning label did not supply sufficient information, and should add additional warnings regarding blood clots. In addition, a Danish study revealed that women taking Yaz had twice the risk of developing blood clots than did women on other birth control medications, while a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analysis showed that women taking Yaz did demonstrate an increased risk of blood clots after Yaz use.

Life-Threatening Yaz Side Effects

Blood clots from Yaz can be very serious and even life threatening, since they can evolve into more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke. A principal Yaz lawsuit claim is that drospirenone, the progestin used in Yaz, is to blame for higher risks of blood clot than older forms of birth control that use other progestins. Additionally, plaintiffs against Bayer contend that the company failed to adequately inform the medical community and consumers of the risks, and that Bayer also exaggerated Yaz benefits in their early advertising, thus convincing a large number of women to begin taking the medication. For its part, Bayer does not admit to any wrongdoing, and maintains that its products are safe for consumption.

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