Yaz Lawsuits from Kidney Stones and Other Side Effects

Small crystalline mineral buildups known as kidney stones form from substances in the urine. While most pass through the body unnoticed, larger than usual stones can get stuck in a uretor or urethra, block the urine flow and cause pain.

On June 25, 2012, California resident Lauren Steiner filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California. Steiner is seeking to hold responsible the Bayer Corporation—the manufacturer of the birth control pills Yasmin and Yaz—for injuries she allegedly suffered after taking the pills. Bayer is accused of numerous failures regarding both contraceptives.

Estrogen, high blood pressure and reports of deaths linked to Yaz

Yaz and Yasmin contain estrogen which can increase the risk of high blood pressure. When left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage. The FDA had previously received over 50 reports of deaths linked to Yaz and Yasmin between the first quarter of 2004 through the third quarter of 2008. These reports included injuries such as kidney stones, stroke, heart attack and Yasmin pulmonary embolism. Some of the women who died were as young as 17-years-old.

Kidney stones and other ailments follow a prescription of Yaz

After being prescribed Yaz by her healthcare provider, Steiner claimed that she suffered serious side effects after taking the drug. The side effects included, but were not limited to, severe kidney stones and related injuries such as mental anguish, physical pain, diminished enjoyment of life and fear of developing further health issues. She chose to file a Yaz lawsuit.

Steiner notes that the Bayer product uses the progestin “drospirenone.” Drospirenone, unlike other progestins, is known as a diuretic and removes fluid from the body. This can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood and can lead to the condition known as “hyperkalemia.”

Blood clots, heart rhythm disturbances can be caused by hyperkalemia which can lead to a heart attack, deep vein thrombosis as a result of Yaz (Yasmin DVT) and Yaz or Yasmin pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). As a diuretic, drospirenone can also increase dehydration and possibly lead to kidney stones and gallbladder disease.

Plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages

Steiner’s sole injury is kidney stones and the aforementioned related issues. Other plaintiffs have claimed Yasmin DVT or Yasmin pulmonary embolism as a result of Yaz. Steiner seeks compensatory and punitive or exemplary damages for the counts of defective design and manufacture, fraudulent misrepresentation, defective warning and negligence.

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