Yaz Lawsuits

Yasmin (also called Yas or Yaz) is a birth control pill introduced to the market in 2001. Berlex Laboratories, the company that manufactures Yasmin, initially marketed the drug with the implication that Yasmin is safer than other birth control pills; the FDAwarned Berlex in 2003 to discontinue these misleading ads. Berlex discontinued the ads in question, but later issued others that were suspect and was again warned by the FDA.

As it turns out, Yasmin contains an ingredient not found in other birth control pills which may make it more dangerous for some people than other birth control pills; this ingredient, drospirenone, may cause hyperkalemia in some patients. Hyperkalemia is a dangerous condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The FDA received fifty reports of deaths linked to Yasmin between 2004 and 2008. Most of these deaths were due to hyperkalemia. Currently there are many lawsuits against Berlex for the injuries and deaths linked to Yasmin. An experienced “defective drug” attorney can help people injured by Yasmin and the families of women who have died because of this drug get financial compensation for their injury or loss.

The Hyperkalemia—Yasmin link

Yasmin can increase the amount of potassium in the blood. Our bodies need potassium to help produce muscle contractions and aid other vital function, but too much potassium in the blood is dangerous and causes a condition called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause abnormal heart rhythms leading to life-threatening blood clots, heart attacks or strokes.

Women have the following conditions are especially prone to hyperkalemia due to taking Yasmin (or its generic equivalent 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.

Women with these risk factors should never be prescribed Yasmin. Sadly, some women have not been adequately warned of these risks and other women have taken the drug without realizing that they had one of the risk factors. As mentioned above, the FDA has had fifty reports of deaths connected with Yasmin within the space of four years; it may be that there are additional unreported deaths because some women have died due to Yasmin without their medical providers realizing the link between their untimely death and their taking of Yasmin.

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.

Other Risk Factors and Yasmin

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 Yasmin. Also tell you doctor if you have diabetes or gallbladder disease or have had liver cancer, or breast cancer, or uterine cancer. Before prescribing Yasmin your doctor should also know if you have epilepsy or have had seizures in the past.

Do not smoke while taking Yasmin 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 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.