In a questionable move by Bayer and the FDA, a vitamin-supplemented version of Yaz has been released on the market, even while thousands of lawsuits alleging the dangers of severe side effects and death are pending against the company. Multiple studies published in the British Journal of Medicine dating back to 2003 have demonstrated an increased risk of blood clots and other severe side effects of the unique active ingredient in Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, and now Beyaz.
A recent article in Time Magazine asks the obvious question: “Do we need vitamin-supplemented birth control pills?” The article suggests that Bayer may be using Beyaz as a ploy to “help the company sidestep the competition or simply revive a fading brand.” The name “Beyaz” means “beyond Yaz,” and is being marketed as “beyond birth control,” the article reports.
It is astonishing that the FDA gave approval to Beyaz while Bayer faces over 3000 lawsuits for allegedly withholding information about the dangers of Yaz and Yasmin. The plaintiffs in those cases claim that what lies “beyond birth control” are strokes, heart attacks, gall bladder disease, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis.
The FDA ordered Bayer to make corrections to the company’s misleading advertisements. The ads in question made overblown claims of benefits that were not approved uses of the birth control pills. Bayer spent a reported $20 million making corrections to the ads. However, the FDA continues to demonstrate a willingness to allow Bayer to continue selling a potentially deadly drug to young women, even in the face of severe scrutiny. It is likely that the approval of Beyaz will result in further lawsuits.
References:
Medical News Today Staff. (October 8, 2010) “New Birth Control Pill Beyaz Includes Folic Acid, Columnist Writes.” Retrieved on October 8, 2010 from Medical News Today.
Melnick, Meredith. (September 28, 2010) “Do We Need Vitamin-Supplemented Birth Control Pills?” Retrieved on October 8, 2010 from Time Healthland.
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious side effect or symptoms of side effects related to Yaz, Yasmin or related birth control medications, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.