Pennsylvania Injury Attorneys Blog
Over the past few years, Yaz, Yasmin, and the generic form, Ocella, have become popular oral contraceptives manufactured by Bayer Healthcare that are taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. Although all prescription birth control pills carry a degree of health risk to women, Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella contain a new hormone compound called Drospirenone, which may further increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and deep vein thrombosis.
In addition to these increased risks, the manufacturers of Yaz and Yasmin produced a series of television ads that may have misled consumers. These ads described Yaz and Yasmin as safe to treat PMS symptoms and acne, although the drugs have not been approved for these uses. As a result, many women may have been influenced to switch to Yaz and Yasmin. Although Bayer removed and replaced the ads after receiving a warning from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, there may still be women who remain on Yaz and Yasmin for unapproved uses.
Lawsuits have been filed across the country by women who say they have suffered serious side effects from birth control pills such as Yaz and Yasmin. Symptoms they have experienced include blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and strokes. Other reported side effects include internal organ damage (including gallbladder damage), myocardial infarction, and hyperkalemia.
Recently, a large number of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella cases have been designated as Mass Tort or Multidistrict Litigation cases. This allows law firms across the country to pool their resources and their trial experience to fight the large drug manufacturers as a group and help those who have been injured by the effects of these drugs.
Birth control pills are used by women in all walks of life, including mothers, daughters, and students of all ages. If you or someone you know is currently prescribed Yaz or Yasmin and have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at O’Connor Law by calling 1 (800) 518-4LAW (1 (800) 518-4529). Or email us for a free initial consultation and review of your case.