Side Effects of Yaz and Yasmin
According to two studies published in the British Medical Journal, women taking Yaz, Yasmin or its generic equivalent, Ocella, face twice the risk of blood clots than women taking other birth control pills. As a result, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella patients are much more likely to experience other serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis or death.
Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella have also been linked to an increased risk of gallbladder problems and kidney damage. These products contain a hormone called drospirenone (DRSP)—a diuretic designed to limit weight gain and bloating during menstruation. However, DRSP can also cause severe damage to the kidneys and gallbladder. Many women who have used Yaz or Yasmin were forced to undergo gallbladder removal surgery because of DRSP-related injuries.
The Food and Drug Administration forced Bayer Pharmaceuticals to stop airing a series of advertisements concerning Yaz in October 2008 after the agency found that the ads downplayed the risk of side effects from the birth control pills. The FDA sent a warning to the company about Yaz, stating that Bayer was marketing the drug for conditions—such as PMS or acne—which it was not designed to treat, while failing to disclosed the risk of blood clots and other side effects of Yaz.
Many women who have suffered serious side effects after using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella have contacted a lawyer about filing a claim against the manufacturers of these drugs. Lawsuits filed by former Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella users have alleged that the birth control pills caused them to suffer blood clots, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder problems or other serious side effects due to the hormones they contain.