Yaz Drug Makers Set Aside Millions for Gallbladder Plaintiffs

Yaz is a controversial birth control medication that became popular after it was introduced as a safe and effective oral contraceptive. Thousands of women, young women in particular, began to take the medication, which contains the synthetic hormone drospirenone as well as estrogen, hormones that can help prevent pregnancy. Although the medication initially looked effective and safe, now many patients are coming forward with reports of serious side effects that they have experienced associated with the medication. These side effects have been known to include blood clots and related conditions such as strokes and deep vein thrombosis. Many patients have also complained of gallbladder disease.

Bayer sets aside money

As more and more patients choose to file a Yaz lawsuit after experiencing side effects of the birth control medication, drug maker Bayer has announced that it will set aside up to $24 million to help compensate patients who have been affected by gallbladder problems as a result of their use of the birth control pills. Bayer has already paid out a total of more than 1 billion dollars to plaintiffs who experienced pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis after taking the medication.

This is a significant step for plaintiffs, because Bayer has previously denied that Yaz has any relation to gallbladder disease. Despite their agreement to pay compensation to some plaintiffs suffering from gallbladder problems, Bayer continues to insist that their drospirenone-based oral contraceptives Yaz and Yasmin are associated with no increased risk of gallbladder disease or other problems as compared to other birth control medications. Some plaintiffs involved in Yaz gallbladder litigation say that they have required surgery in order to remove their gallbladders.

Individual payments could be smaller

Bayer has capped the total sum that it is prepared to pay out to gallbladder plaintiffs at $24 million, which means that each plaintiff who has had to endure a gallbladder removal could only receive a few thousand dollars in compensation. It is likely that women who suffered gallbladder disease but did not have their gallbladder removed will receive even less. Although this amount may not completely cover the costs related to the patients’ injuries, it could make a significant dent in medical bills and other financial strains caused by the patients’ Yaz complications.

Bayer has already settled around 4,800 claims of Yaz patients who say they suffered blood clots and related injuries after taking the medication. Dozens of studies have been published that confirm the link between Yaz and blood clots, and settlements given to patients suffering these conditions could be significant.