Yaz and Yasmin are popular birth control pills that differ only in dose. These drugs are referred to as "fourth generation" birth control pills; they contain a new type of synthetic progestin called "drospirenone." For many years now, these two pills have been prescribed to prevent pregnancy and to reduce water retention and bloating, two of the most common symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition millions of women suffer from each time they get their menstrual cycle. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that Yaz and Yasmin raise the level of potassium in your blood to a dangerous level. Increased serum potassium levels can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Pancreatitis
• Blood clots in the legs (DVT—deep vein thrombosis)
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Gall bladder disease

Increased risk of blood clots?

Two recent studies have found significantly increased risks associated with Yaz and Yasmin over other types of birth control pills. The first assessed the risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots) in women who take hormonal contraception was conducted on women ages 15-49 with no history of heart disease or any other malignant disease. The study found that of the 3.3 million women taking oral contraceptives, there were 4,213 venous thrombotic events. Of those, 2,045 occurred in women currently taking oral contraceptives.

The study found that oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, such as Yaz and Yasmin, were associated with a much higher risk of venous thrombosis than traditional oral contraceptives, which contain levonorgestrel rather than drospirenone. To read the full study, click here.

The second study found that Yaz and Yazmin users have twice the risk of a clotting event than users of birth control pills that contain levonorgestral. To read this study, click here.

At the time of this writing, the FDA has received 50 reports of death associated with Yaz and/or Yasmin during the four-year period 2004 to 2008. Women as young as 17 have died due to blood clots, stroke, and cardiac arrest. If you are taking either one of these birth control pills, you should contact your doctor immediately to discuss its safety.

Yaz and Yazmin are combination hormone contraceptives manufactured by Bayer Healthcare.

Schlichter, Bogard & Denton is a national leader in pharmaceutical litigation and is currently reviewing cases of women harmed by Yaz and Yazmin. The consequences of taking a dangerous drug can be devastating. We are prepared to handle the most complex dangerous drug cases, and we have successfully represented thousands of people all over the country in pharmaceutical litigation cases. We can help you, too.

Please contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today. One of our attorneys will review your case and advise you of how best to proceed.

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