Ocella Birth Control

Ocella is the generic form of Yasmin, an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medication may also be prescribed for ovarian cysts and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There is supposed to be no difference between Ocella and Yasmin, but some women report more painful side effects when on Ocella, than when on Yasmin. The same active ingredients (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) are in both Ocella and Yasmin.

Many people experience side effects when on Ocella and other forms of oral contraceptives; some side effects are mild, while others can be severe, or even life threatening. Women are often not adequately warned of these serious risks. An “Ocella” product liability attorney can advise women who have experienced serious side effects from Ocella on their legal rights and help them obtain financial compensation for harm they have experienced from the product.


Reported problems with Ocella

Women have reported severe abdominal pain, and severe abdominal bloating while taking Ocella. Many women have noticed an increase in appetite and a consequent weight gain while taking Ocella. A few women have reported severe back pains with Ocell

One woman who had previously been taking Yasmin for ovarian cysts was switched to Ocella due to a change in her insurance. While on Yasmin she had experienced no cysts. Once on Ocella, she reports that the cysts returned.

The FDA has approved Ocella for use as an oral contraceptive. So far the FDA has issued no statements on Ocella possibly causing more problems than the brand name version—Yasmin. However, drospirenone, one of the two active ingredients in both Ocella and Yasmin, is known to put some people at risk for hyperkalemia— excess potassium levels in the blood, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms and death.

Side Effects of Ocella

Ocella may cause the following mild, non-life threatening side effects:

  • Breast tenderness, soreness or pain. Breast swelling.
  • Swelling of feet or hands.
  • Changes in appetite or weight.
  • Hair loss.
  • Changes in menstrual periods.
  • Vaginal discharge or itching.
  • Darkening of facial skin or freckles.
  • Increased hair growth (on the face).

Talk to your doctor if these side effects are bothersome or seem to get worse.

Ocella can also sometimes cause a dangerous allergic reaction. Stop taking the medication and immediately seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:

· Difficult breathing.

· Hives.

· Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face.

· Sudden numbness or weakness. Pain behind the eyes.

· Confusion.

· Problems with speech, vision, or balance.

· Heavy feeling in the chest or pain in the chest or arm.

· Nausea (sick to the stomach) or unusual sweating; stomach pain.

· If you have previously suffered migraine headaches and you notice a change in their occurrence or severity.

Do not delay seeking medical help if you have these serious symptoms, because they can be signs of a stroke or other life-threatening condition, such as hyperkalemia. Weakness, tingling, and nausea may indicate the beginnings of hyperkalemia; a slow pulse or heart beat can indicate a more serious, life-threatening form of hyperkalemia.

Also consult your doctor if you experience a general feeling of unwellness or fatigue while taking Ocella, or if you experience signs of depression such as mood changes, appetite changes, tiredness, or if you discover a breast lump.

Risk Factors for serious problems with Ocella

Some women should not take Ocella. Pregnant women should never take Ocella since it can cause birth defects.

Women with the following medical conditions should not take Ocella:

· A history of stroke or blood clots.

· Circulation problems, especially those caused by diabetes.

· A heart valve disorder.

· Uterine or breast cancer.

· Abnormal vaginal bleeding.

· Kidney or liver disease.

· Severe high blood pressure.

· An adrenal gland disorder.

· Migraine headaches.

· A history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by birth control pills.

If you have had any form of heart disease, are overweight, have had trouble with high blood pressure, or have experienced depression in the past, discuss these issues with your if he or she wants to prescribe Ocella. Also tell you doctor if you have diabetes or gallbladder disease or have had liver cancer, or breast cancer, or uterine cancer. Before prescribing Ocella your doctor should also know if you have epilepsy or have had seizures in the past.

Do not smoke while taking Ocella as smoking can increase your risk of blood clots. Women over 35 are especially subject to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, or strokes from smoking while taking any form of oral contraceptive.

If you believe that you or someone you love has been harmed by taking Ocella, Newsome can help. Fill out our case evaluation form to the right of the screen and one of our experienced “Ocella” product liability attorneys will advise you of your legal rights and help you get financial compensation for your suffering. Also cases involving Yaz Side Effects.

Preventing Problems with Ocella

As with any medication, you should never take Ocella if you have any of the risk factors related to its use. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when you take any drug. Never take a “double” dose of any drug unless your doctor or other health professional advises you to do so. Always consult a doctor if you experience any unusual side effects while on Ocella even if you think they are not related to the drug. Never take Ocella or any other medication which has been prescribed for someone else. Do not smoke while on any type of oral contraceptive.

If you believe that you or someone you love has been harmed by taking Yasmin, Newsome can help. Fill out our case evaluation form to the right of the screen and one of our experienced “Ocella” product liability attorneys will advise you of your legal rights and help you get financial compensation for your suffering.