Yasmin Side Effects Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on December 26th, 2009

Yaz Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms Of A Lung Artery Blockage

One of the most serious Yaz and Yasmin side effects involves a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). Yaz and pulmonary embolism (PE) share a connection based on the hormones used. The link is due to a marked increase in the risk of blood clots when taking the oral contraceptive. In nearly 90% of diagnosed cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg. The clot breaks away from its site and travels to a pulmonary artery, creating a blockage. Because these arteries supply blood to your lungs, a blockage will starve a portion of your lung tissue. If this happens, the tissue supplied by the blocked artery will begin to die.

Your lungs play a key role in removing carbon dioxide from your blood and replacing it with oxygen. If your lung tissue sustains permanent damage as the result of a Yaz lung blood clot, it will be less capable of oxygenating your blood. That can potentially lead to damage of your other organs if they cannot receive an adequate supply of oxygen.

Pulmonary embolism is one of the dangerous side effects of Yasmin and Yaz birth control pills. Below, you’ll learn about common symptoms that accompany Yaz PE and how the condition is treated.

Common Symptoms Of Yaz PE

The most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism are chest pain and a shortness of breath. Chest pain can either be sharp and quick, or dull and throbbing. It will usually present when you are active, and worsen as you attempt to take deep breaths. Once it begins, it rarely subsides. By contrast, you might experience a shortness of breath even if you are rest. It will worsen with physical activity.

Other symptoms of Yaz pulmonary embolism include an accelerated heartbeat, arrhythmia, dizziness, fainting, and confusion. With regard to fainting and confusion, they are due to your brain not receiving a sufficient supply of oxygen. As pulmonary embolism develops, you may even lose certain mental functions.

The earlier you can identify symptoms of pulmonary embolism and receive medical attention, the less likely your lungs will sustain permanent damage. Once the tissue begins to die, pulmonary infarction begins. You might experience coughing which produces bloody sputum.

Because Yaz PE is potentially life-threatening, seek treatment immediately if you identify any of the above symptoms.

Anticoagulants And Other Forms Of Treatment

Anticoagulants, such as heparin and warfarin (also known as Coumadin), are the first line of treatment for pulmonary embolism. The immediate goal is to prevent existing blood clots from growing, and new clots from forming. Your doctor may administer both blood thinners simultaneously, though heparin is usually stopped once warfarin has begun taking effect.

If heparin or warfarin cannot prevent your blood from clotting, or your body cannot tolerate them, your doctor may use thrombolytic medications. These drugs are capable of dissolving existing clots and can clear away arterial blockages. However, because thrombolytics pose a high risk of bleeding, they are only used in dire situations.

If blood thinners and thrombolytics cannot be used, a surgeon may perform suction thrombectomy or pulmonary embolectomy. There are risks involved with each procedure and doctors will reserve both for circumstances in which your life is at risk.

Your doctor may also recommend a vena cava filter. This is a metal net that is placed within a large vein called the vena cava. It is used to catch traveling blood clots that have broken away from deep veins within your legs. The filter is a preventative measure that can help avert future incidences of PE.

Blood clots in the lung are potentially life-threatening and can cause permanent damage to your lung tissue. If you have suffered clots within a deep vein or developed pulmonary embolism after taking Yaz oral contraceptives, you may be entitled to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact an experienced Yaz attorney to discuss your legal rights.