Yaz and Yasmin FAQ
What is the difference between Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
Yasmin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2001 as the first commercially available birth control pill containing the hormone drospirenone, a form of synthetic progestin. Because it is a diuretic, the drospirenone in Yasmin was designed to limit pre-menstrual symptoms such as weight gain and bloating in addition to lessening the chance of conception.
In March 2006, the FDA approved Yaz, a similar form of birth control which also contains drospirenone, but with a lower dose of estrogen than Yasmin. Ocella is the generic version of Yasmin.
Are Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella more dangerous than other birth control pills?
According to two studies published in the British Medical Journal, women taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella are twice as likely to suffer blood clots as women taking other forms of birth control pills. Researchers also found that women Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella were six times more likely to suffer a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) and nine times more likely to suffer deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the veins of the leg) compared with women who are not taking birth control.
What side effects have been associated with Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
The increased risk of blood clots faced by users of Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella could increase their risk of suffering other cardiovascular side effects, including heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. In addition, women who use Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella may be at an increased risk of gallbladder problems.
Why do Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella increase the risk of blood clots or other side effects?
Although it is not clear why women using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella are more likely to suffer blood clots, some experts believe that the problem lies with the hormone drospirenone. Because drospirenone is a diuretic, it can increase the level of potassium in the body, a condition known as hyperkalemia. This increase in potassium levels could lead to an abnormal heart rhythm, which could cause blood to pool in the heart and allow blood clots to form.
Do the manufacturers of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella or the FDA plan to recall these products?
In April 2002, the consumers group Public Citizen placed Yasmin on it “Do Not Use” drugs list due to the increased risk of serious heart problems that it could cause. The group stated that there was no medical reason to use Yasmin when older and safer alternatives were available. Despite the group’s warning, neither the FDA nor the manufacturers of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella have announced plans to recall these products.
Has the FDA taken any other steps regarding Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella?
In October 2008, the FDA told Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Yaz, to stop airing a series of TV ads marketing the birth control pills. The agency said that the ads downplayed the risk of serious and potentially fatal side effects that may be experienced by women who use Yaz. The FDA also stated that the ads created a misleading impression of Yaz’s ability to treat other conditions, including acne and PMS symptoms. The FDA forced Bayer to air corrective advertisements to dispel the misleading information in the original ads.
Am I eligible to file a Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella lawsuit?
If you or a loved one have suffered serious or deadly side effects after using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, you may wish to speak with an lawyer about your case. To learn more about your legal rights, contact the attorneys at the law office of Hissey Kientz by calling toll-free at (866) 275-4454 or by filling out a free case evaluation form to the right of this page.