YAZ and Yasmin are two nearly identical birth control pills. It has now been shown that women of all ages who use these drugs are at risk for heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis. YAZ and Yasmin are manufactured by the German pharmaceutical giant, Bayer.
YAZ and Yasmin are the only two birth control pills on the market that contain a new component known as drospirenone (DRSP). It has been shown that DRSP disrupts heart rhythms, slows down blood flow, and causes blood clot formation. Those clots lead to significant and potentially life-threatening heart problems and other health issues. Studies have shown that women as young as 16 are at a 6.2 times higher risk of blood clots compared to women who do not use birth control pills, the highest risk associated with any such drug.
The side effects associated with YAZ and Yasmin include:
- Heart Attacks
- Strokes
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Gallbladder Disease
- Sudden Death
In 2008, YAZ and Yasmin accounted for nearly a third of the birth control market in the U.S., with sales approaching one billion dollars in 2007. The commercial success of these drugs is largely due to Bayer’s aggressive marketing campaigns that have since been called “deceptive” and “misleading” by the FDA. As a result of the FDA action, Bayer ended up pulling the misleading ads and also reached an agreement with the FDA and 27 state attorneys general to run a $20 million advertising campaign to correct the misinformation from the pulled commercials.. A generic form of these drugs is now available and marketed under the name Ocella.
The prominent consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has listed Yasmin on its list of “DO NOT USE” drugs twice in 2002 and 2003 for the risk of heart problems and other health concerns, and because there is no evidence that the drug is any better than older contraceptives available.
If you or a loved one have been harmed by taking Yaz or Yasmin, , contact us today. We can help you in pursuing your legal rights against the manufacturer of this drug.