Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella Side Effects Lawsuit News

Does Yaz birth control cause deadly blood clots?

- The Week

12/12/2011 - One of the most widely used oral contraceptives in the U.S. may be getting a new warning label — a label that would describe the risks of potentially fatal blood clots. Here's what you should know:

Is birth control really so dangerous?
Blood clots have actually been "a known side effect" of birth control pills ever since these contraceptives "hit the market 50 years ago," says Bloomberg Businessweek. However, a new generation of pills may be raising the risk. According to several recent studies, about 10 in 10,000 women on Yasmin, Yaz, or their generic versions may experience a clot, compared to seven in 10,000 women on older pills. It's still a relatively small risk — but higher than it once was.

How dangerous are blood clots?
They can sometimes, though rarely, be fatal. "Blood clots can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and blockages in lungs or blood vessels," reports the Associated Press.

And there may be new warning labels?
Possibly. An FDA panel voted 21-5 last week that "labeling on Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz, Safyral, and its generic versions is inadequate and should be revised," says Meredith Melnick at TIME. The panelists recommended that the labels "should make clearer the potential risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs."

How popular are these pills?
Yaz used to be the best-selling birth control pill in the country. After being released in 2006, Yaz's manufacturer, Bayer, poured "hundreds of millions of dollars in TV and magazine advertising that emphasized its ability to clear up acne and other hormonal side effects," says the Associated Press. But since studies pointing to the risk of blood clots began to surface, prescriptions have fallen "more than 80 percent."

What now?
The FDA will decide whether to approve or reject the panel's recommendation. The FDA has yet to set a timetable for changing Yaz's labeling, says the Associated Press, and "many doctors say they don't expect to stop prescribing the drugs anytime soon."

Yaz / Yasmin / Ocella Lawsuit News Archive::

If you or a loved one have suffered serious yaz side effects, injury or death while using Yaz you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the yaz side effects lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today for a free nationwide case evaluation. Our experienced Yaz attorneys can answer any questions you may have about Yaz side effects or a potential Yaz lawsuit. Fill out the case evaluation form on this page or call toll free: 1.800.856.6405.

Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Yaz or one the generic versions, without first consulting with your doctor.