The Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation assigned the Yasmin And Yaz MDL to Judge David R. Herndon of the Southern District of Illinois. The Yaz/Yasmin/Ocella MDL, docket number 2100 was created for the purposes of consolidating all federal Yaz/Yasmin lawsuits alleging personal injury and wrongful death. The cases are now under the heading IN RE: Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing and Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation.

The Judicial Panel found the Southern District of Illinois will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation. U.S. District Court Judge David R. Herndon will preside over these Yaz and Yasmin cases for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings. All consolidated actions share factual questions relating to at least one of the drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives Yaz and Yasmin, which are manufactured by Bayer. Plaintiffs in the products liability actions challenge the safety of those oral contraceptives and bring claims for personal injuries or wrongful death stemming from use of the drugs.

Yaz and Yasmin, as well as the generic Ocella, have been associated with various serious side effects, including Blood Clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), Stroke, Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA), Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction, Gallbladder Disease / Injury, Gallbladder Removal (cholecystectomy), Kidney Failure or Renal Failure, Pancreatitis and even Death.

Labels: death, DVT, MDL, PE, yasmin, YAZ

Yaz and Yasmin are both popular birth control pills made by Bayer. While widely prescribed for pregnancy prevention as well as other hormonally related issues, such as PMS, acne, and bloating, these pills have only been FDA approved for pregnancy prevention and treatment of PMDD.

Unfortunately, Yaz and Yasmin also carry possible dangers. One of their major ingredients, known as drospirenone, can cause an increase in potassium levels in the bloodstream. In some cases, this can lead to serious side effects, and can even be fatal.

Who Should Avoid Yaz and Yasmin?
Particularly susceptible to these side effects are people who have existing problems with their kidneys, liver, or adrenal glands. Increases in potassium levels can be very dangerous in these cases. In addition, some other common medications can also increase potassium levels in the bloodstream. Combined with Yaz or Yasmin, the effects can be extremely serious.

What are the Possible Side Effects?
Some possible side effects of Yaz or Yasmin include:

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Heart attack or cardiac related problems
• Stroke
• Sudden death
• Damage to the kidneys
• Gallbladder removal

If you have any concerns about using Yaz or Yasmin and how they might interact with drugs you're already taking or how they might affect existing medical conditions, consult with your doctor. Your doctor can check your blood potassium levels after you have taken Yasmin to determine if the levels are abnormal.

If you or a loved one have suffered from any of the above side effects and suspect Yaz or Yasmin might be the cause, please contact one of the experienced, nationwide pharmaceutical injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton. If you have been hurt by dangerous pharmaceutical side effects, we want to help.

Labels: YAZ

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.

Labels: YAZ

Currently, 32 complaints have been filed in federal court against the manufacturers of Yaz. Plaintiffs have alleged physical injuries as a result of Yaz use such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, seizures, gall bladder injuries, and death. The federal plaintiffs have filed suit in various federal forums and have recently petitioned the Northern District of Ohio for a consolidation of all of the suits for Multi-District Litigation (MDL).

An MDL is the consolidation of all similar federal cases for pre-trial purposes. An MDL can be established when there are extremely similar claims against the same defendants and all of the claims have similar issues that will be litigated. MDLs are very efficient especially in a discovery sense because documents generally will only have to be produced once for every plaintiff that is involved in the MDL. Plaintiffs requested that the MDL for Yaz be established in the Northern District of Ohio because there are currently 14 of the 32 federal suits filed in that district. Plaintiffs argue that the Northern District of Ohio is a centralized location and will be the most convenient location for an MDL, given that most of the cases filed are already in the Northern District of Ohio.

See the Petition for the creation of an MDL at:

http://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/_Mats/WinMATS%20Pleadings/2100/MDL%202100%20Pleading%201.pdf

Labels: discovery, Federal court, MDL, YAZ

Attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton file Yasmin/Yaz lawsuit

Date Released: 07/24/2009 St. Louis, MO – The attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, L.L.P. filed suit this week in Iowa federal court against Bayer alleging that Bayer’s oral contraceptives Yasmin and Yaz are defective and present an increased risk of injury to women. Their client represents her daughter who at the age of 23 died suddenly of multiple bilateral pulmonary embolisms after using Yaz for only 8 months. The client’s daughter was engaged to marry her high school sweetheart. She had also just graduated from college and was to start her first post-graduation position a scant three days after her sudden death. An avid swimmer, plaintiff’s daughter was named to an All American Swim Team three times and gave swim lessons through the American Red Cross. She is survived by her fiancé, parents, two siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The lawsuit alleges that Bayer failed to warn the client’s daughter and their physicians of the increased risk of injury, while over-promoting the benefits of the drugs. In October of 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent Bayer a warning letter objecting to its television ads claiming that Yaz has additional benefits compared to other oral contraceptives. The FDA’s letter warned that Yaz actually has additional risks because it contains the progestin drospirenone. The warning prompted an agreement for Bayer to spend $20 million on corrective ads.

Both Yasmin and Yaz have been associated with heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and even death in young women.

Schlichter, Bogard & Denton attorneys Roger Denton, Kris Kraft and Beth Wilkins are experienced in litigating dangerous birth control product liability cases. Mr. Denton, Ms. Kraft and Ms. Wilkins are also vigorously litigating suits against the makers of Ortho Evra and NurvaRing in addition to Yasmin/Yaz. Schlichter, Bogard & Denton are lead attorneys on the NuvaRing MDL.

Currently only a handful of Yasmin/Yaz cases across the country have been filed against the manufacturer. Not only are Mr. Denton, Ms. Kraft, and Ms. Wilkins pioneers in these suits across the country, they are also leading their firm’s Yasmin and Yaz litigation and expect to file additional lawsuits in the coming weeks.

Media Contact: Kristine Kraft Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, L.L.P. Phone: 314.621.6115 kkraft@uselaws.com www.uselaws.com

Labels: athlete, Bayer, bilateral pulmonary embolism, death, Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, heart attack, Iowa, stroke, YAZ

Both Yaz® and Yasmin® are birth control pills offered by Bayer Healthcare. They have become popular so that doctors prescribe them often. However, you could suffer from severe side effects such as:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney damage

These pills could even cause sudden death. They are combination oral contraceptives but differ from the others by containing a new kind of progestin hormone. It is known as drospirenone or drsp. It can increase your blood potassium level and that can be life-threatening if you have any liver, kidney, or adrenal gland problems.

Yaz Marketed for Non-Approved Uses
Yaz does have FDA approval for treating PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder) which is similar to PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) but with more severe symptoms. But it does not have FDA approval for treating either PMS or acne.

Bayer Healthcare has nevertheless been marketing Yaz for the treatment of PMS and acne. In October, 2008 the FDA sent a warning to Bayer, citing them for violating some provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Some of Bayer's advertising is thought to minimize serious risks and overstate Yaz' effectiveness.

If you are taking any medication such as Motrin, Advil, Heparin, or any ACE inhibitors, which raise your blood potassium level, you would be at risk if you used Yaz or Yasmin. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with one of our pharmaceutical drug lawyers, please contact our law office today.

Labels: YAZ

We have previously posted about some of the dangers of the Yaz birth control pill. Even more information has come out since. Yaz has recently been under heavy scrutiny for possible dangerous side effects such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Additionally, the FDA and many states’ attorney general have been on Yaz’ case for a different problem: misleading advertising.

The first time Yaz was admonished for misleading the public was through an FDA warning letter in 2003. The letter was in regards to misleading ads that stated that Yaz was “unique” because it contained progestin drospirenone, therefore leading people to believe that Yaz was superior to other birth control pills. Then in 2008, the FDA sent another warning letter concerning two separate television commercials that publicized treatments for which Yaz was not approved. In February of 2009, attorney generals from 27 different states reached a settlement with Yaz to correct misleading information that Yaz put in tv ads that suggested that Yaz was approved for the treatment of PMS and acne. As a result, Yaz is now required to get FDA approval for all ads before they can air on tv.

Yaz was first released in May 2001 and has since become one of the best selling oral contraceptives, with sales over $616 million in 2008. Neither the FDA nor the manufacturer, Bayer, have yet to recall the drug for its serious side effects. Many of the people that take Yaz may have been induced to take it through Yaz’s misleading advertising, and in turn, suffering serious side effects.

For more information, see:
The FDA’s warning letter concerning Yaz:
http://origin.www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/WarningLettersandNoticeofViolationLetterstoPharmaceuticalCompanies/ucm053993.pdf

Wall Street Journal article concerning new ad campaign:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/11pill.html

Labels: advertising, Air France, birth control, DVT, FDA, NCAA, stroke, Susan Boyle, YAZ

YAZ is the first birth control pill to combine 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) with the so-called "fourth generation" progestin drospirenone (DRSP). Fourth generation progestin drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid properties, which means that it can work against the body's normal mechanism for regulating salt and water balance, a situation that can lead to hyperkalemia in high risk patients, resulting in potentially serious heart and health problems. YAZ was approved by the FDA in March 2006.
A company press release, "FDA Approves YAZ(R), The First Oral Contraceptive To Offer Drospirenone In A 24-Day, Active-Pill Regimen", regarding approval of the drug suggests cardiovascular events are not a concern when using YAZ. The press release states:
YAZ contains 3 mg of the progestin drospirenone that has antimineralocorticoid activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients, comparable to a 25-mg dose of spironolactone. YAZ should not be used in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (i.e., renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, or adrenal insufficiency). Women receiving daily, long-term treatment for chronic conditions or diseases with medications that may increase serum potassium should have their serum potassium levels checked during the first treatment cycle. Medications that may increase serum potassium include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-ll receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation medications, aldosterone antagonists and NSAIDs.
In YAZ’s current package insert, the warning above is bolded while serious cardiovascular side effects like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, and stroke are not emphasized.
The FDA now has some concerns about an association between YAZ and DVT, PE, heart attack, and stroke as demonstrated in the International Active Surveillance Study of Women Taking Oral Contraceptives (INAS-OC) study.
WebMD even lists blood clots such as pulmonary embolism, stroke or heart attacks as rare but very serious side effects of using YAZ.
There are numerous reports of women suffering from a DVT or a PE while using YAZ pills.
The safety concerns surrounding YAZ are similar to the serious and at times fatal side effects of unsafe birth control like Ortho Evra and NuvaRing.
For more information please see: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2007/Jan_PI/Yaz_PI.pdf,
http://origin.www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/WarningLettersandNoticeofViolationLetterstoPharmaceuticalCompanies/ucm053993.pdf
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/39844.php, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00335257,
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-656-ETHINYL+ESTRADIOL%2FDROSPIRENONE+24%2F4+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=95358&drugname=YAZ+28+Oral,

Labels: birth control, cardiovascular, death, Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, heart attack, PE, pulmonary embolism, stroke, YAZ