Yasmin Heart Attacks

Yasmin is a birth control pill that was originally put on the market in 2001. All birth control pills can elevate a woman’s risks of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, particularly in women with previous heart problems and circulation problems; however, one of Yasmin’s active ingredients can make women with these and certain other medical conditions especially prone to hyperkalemia—a dangerous elevation of potassium in the blood that can lead to heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. A defective drug attorney can help women who have been harmed by Yasmin receive financial compensation for their suffering.

Drospirenone and the Yasmin Heart Attack Connection

Yasmin (and it generic equivalent, Ocella) is the only birth control pill which contains drospirenone. Drospirenone interferes with the body’s fluid balance and can cause elevated blood potassium levels—a condition called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is dangerous because it can cause irregular heart rhythms if not immediately treated.

Because irregular heart rhythms interfere with circulation they can cause blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Most heart attacks occur when a blood clot blocks an artery in the heart. The heart muscle begins to die if this blockage is not immediately treated.

Between 2004 and 2008, the FDA received reports of fifty deaths linked to Yasmin; most of these deaths were caused by heart attacks and other problems from hyperkalemia. To date, Yasmin and it generic equivalent Ocella remain on the market; the FDA has not recalled the drug, although it has issued warnings to Berlex Laboratories—the drug’s manufacturer, because of certain ads that implied Yasmin was safer than other oral contraceptives.

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 “Yasmin” defective drug attorneys will advise you of your legal rights and help you get financial compensation for your suffering. Also cases involving Yaz Side Effects.

Women Especially Prone to Heart Attacks due to Yasmin-induced Hyperkalemia

Women with these conditions should not take Yasmin for any reason:

· 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.

Signs of possible Hyperkalemia

Get medical help immediate if you have been taking Yasmin and you experience the following symptoms:

· 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.

· Slow pulse or heart beat.

These symptoms are the sign of a medical emergency and an ambulance should be called. The symptoms could mean you are experiencing the first stage of hyperkalemia or they could be signs that a heart attack or stroke is already occurring. A slow pulse or heart beat may indicate that you are experiencing dangerous heart arrhythmias which can be fatal.

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 “Yasmin” defective drug attorneys will advise you of your legal rights and help you get financial compensation for your suffering.