Approximately 10,000 lawsuits have been filed nationwide against Bayer. The allegations include, but are not limited to the assertion that Bayer did not provide adequate warnings against Yasmin®/Yaz® side effects potentially increasing the risk of serious health complications. In addition to Yasmin®/Yaz® Schlichter Bogard and Denton are also investigating cases involving the generic drug Ocella, which is manufactured by Barr Laboratories.

 

The greatest concern is the manner the birth control pill ads downplay the risk of certain serious side-effects including blood clots (particularly Pulmonary Embolisms and Deep Vein Thrombosis), heart attack and stroke, liver damage, wheezing and difficulty breathing or swallowing, unexplained swelling. Individuals with prior history of blood clots and those who tested positive for Factor V Leiden are particularly susceptible.

 

The allegations of the filed complaints are substantiated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration's letters directed to Bayer and its subsidiaries for running misleading commercials that underplay the risks of the drugs. In its letter to Bayer, the FDA said there is no evidence that Yaz® eliminates the PMS symptoms described by the ads-in fact, Yaz® is only FDA approved for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

 

Yasmin®, a different but similarly-named oral contraceptive is also indicated for use in the treatment of PMDD and moderate acne. The FDA issued a warning advising Bayer to cease the use of an advertisement for Yasmin® because the manufacturer's advertisements made Yasmin® seem as if the side effects were significantly reduced and minimized the warnings of serious health complications due to side effects. In 2009 Bayer was required to run an advertising campaign to correct previous YAZ® advertisements.

 

Individuals seeking information regarding Yasmin®/Yaz®/Ocella are encouraged to contact the attorneys at Schlichter Bogard and Denton. The firm is currently representing women nationwide.