Yasmin Class Action Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on December 5th, 2009

One of the dangerous side effects of Yaz birth control pills is the possibility of suffering a stroke. Currently there claims are being filed individually and there is no national Yasmin class action lawsuit. This can happen as the result of a blood clot that blocks an artery that supplies blood and oxygen to the brain. There is concern that Yaz and Yasmin may increase the risk of clotting due to the combination of estrogen and drospirenone (a synthetic progrestin). As a result, women who take this combined-hormone oral contraceptive are more vulnerable to experiencing a Yaz stroke.

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen in one of two ways. First, if an obstruction (i.e. fatty deposit, blood clot, etc.) forms within a contributing blood vessel, the blockage can cause an ischemic stroke. Second, if an artery ruptures, the area surrounding the rupture is flooded with blood. The flooding compresses the tissue and triggers a hemorrhagic stroke.

Because Yaz strokes are caused by blood clots, they are ischemic in nature. Below, I’ll describe common warning signs and symptoms that accompany stroke. We’ll also explore the long-term side effects that can result.

Yaz Stroke Warning Symptoms

Symptoms are most severe during the first few minutes of an ischemic stroke. Your brain tissue will begin to die quickly as it is starved of oxygenated blood. Depending upon where the blockage has formed, you might experience partial blindness or vision problems on one side of both of your eyes. You might also become paralyzed on one side of your body. These Yasmin stroke symptoms present when the internal carotid artery is involved.

You’ll experience different symptoms if one of your vertebral arteries is affected. You might feel dizzy and have double vision. Your entire body may suddenly feel weak. These symptoms are often accompanied by slurred speech, confusion, and a sudden lack of coordination.

Once the initial symptoms present, most ischemic strokes stabilize. After a few days have passed while in this state, they are considered to be “complete.” However, there are many potential long-term side effects that can manifest down the road.

The Threat Of Long-Term Side Effects

Nearly 10% of patients who suffer an ischemic stroke recover all of their physical function. The remaining 90% experience some degree of physical impairment, ranging from mild to severe. One in ten victims will require long-term care.

Each patient is affected differently by stroke, depending on the stroke’s severity and the portion of the brain tissue that was starved of blood and oxygen. In some cases, it can affect your emotions, causing mood swings or uncontrollable laughter. It can also cause awareness problems; you might forget about limbs that are immobile or numb. For example, if your arm is paralyzed and you bump it on a kitchen counter, you may be completely unaware.

Suffering a Yaz stroke can also lead to issues involving your perception and cognition. With regard to perception, you may lose the ability to recognize objects that were once familiar to you. Or, you may misjudge the distance between yourself and other objects. You might also lose the cognitive ability to understand certain words (a condition known as aphasia).

If you are using Yaz oral contraceptives, you are at risk of developing blood clots. Those clots can travel to your carotid and vertebral arteries, causing a blockage and triggering an ischemic stroke. If you have already experienced a Yasmin stroke, or have developed blood clots after taking this birth control pill, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a Yaz attorney to explore your options.