Life-Threatening Side Effects of Yaz

More than 10,000 plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Bayer over life-threatening Yaz side effects. Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella are oral contraceptives that have been marketed as effective birth control methods that may also relieive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as bloating and acne. However, all three contraceptives contain drospirenone, a synthetic progestin that has been linked to blood clots and related complications including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and strokes.

Blood clot complications

Yaz blood clots and related complications are the most common issues cited in Yaz lawsuits. A Danish study found that women who took oral contraceptives containing drospirenone were six times more likely to develop a blood clot in their leg than those who used other forms of contraception.

Blood clots can lead to other life-threatening complications depending on where the blood clot occurs. A blood clot in the brain can cause a stroke, in which the blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, depriving part of the brain of oxygen and causing brain cells to die, resulting in the patient’s inability to perform functions controlled by that part of the brain. A blood clot in the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism, and a blood clot in the leg can cause deep vein thrombosis.

Yaz and gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease is a lesser-known side effect that has been linked to Yaz and other drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives. Researchers theorize that the elevated levels of hormones, particularly estrogen, in women taking these contraceptives may cause a rise in cholesterol, which increases the risk of developing gallbladder disease. Symptoms of gallbladder disease include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and pain originating under the shoulder blades or behind the breastbone. Women with gallbladder disease are also at risk for developing gallstones, which can block the bile duct and lead to pancreatitis.

Bayer denies that Yaz is dangerous

Despite the studies and the rise in litigation, Bayer continues to claim that its contraceptives are safe and that the studies are not reliable. However, under orders from the FDA, Bayer did strengthen the label warning of its drospirenone-containing contraceptives to acknowledge that some studies found an increase in the risk of blood clots in women using these contraceptives. Bayer has also paid out settlements in approximately 50 Yaz lawsuits, and more settlements may be forthcoming in future.

Any woman who has developed blood clots, gallbladder disease, or related complications after using Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella is advised to consult with a knowledgeable Yaz lawyer about her legal options.