Yaz Birth Control Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on March 8th, 2010

Yaz Blood Clots: How DVT Can Cause Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Yaz and blood clots form as the result of two hormones: estrogen and drospirenone (a synthetic progestin). Studies have found that combining them results in a 6.3-fold increase in the risk of abnormal clotting when compared to non-usage. When a clot forms in the deep veins of your legs, arms, or pelvis, it is known as a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This condition can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, or PTS.

Please contact us if you have suffered from Ocella, Yaz or Yasmin side effects. We are currently representing women throughout the United States in filing a Yaz birth control lawsuit.

Normally, blood flows from your extremities to your heart in order to be replenished with oxygen. Your veins are equipped with valves that perform two concurrent tasks that aid in this process. First, they help ensure blood flows in the proper direction. Second, they prevent blood from pooling in your deep veins.

When you suffer from Yaz DVT, clots obstruct the flow of blood; the obstruction eventually damages the valves. This causes acute circulation problems, which produce symptoms associated with post-thrombotic syndrome. It is estimated that over 50% of patients with DVT also develop PTS.

Common Symptoms Of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Yaz blood clot problems in the deep veins can lead to chronic swelling and pain at the site of the venous obstruction. If the blockage is severe, you might experience persistent aching or cramping, discoloration, and skin ulcers. In some cases, the texture of your skin’s surface can change.

The pain and swelling characteristic of post-thrombotic syndrome can be debilitating, depending on the size and number of blood clots present in the venous system. Both symptoms typically worsen as the day progresses and subside following elevation of the affected limb. Discoloration is usually due to tiny leakages of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. Ulcers occur when swelling becomes so severe that the skin begins to break down.

Preventing PTS With Compression Stockings

After doctors have conclusively diagnosed Yaz blood clots in the deep veins, they will usually recommend anticoagulant therapy. Warfarin and heparin are administered with the goal of preventing further clotting. In order to encourage blood flow, doctors will also recommend that you wear graduated compression stockings.

Compression stockings are worn around the legs to prevent PTS. They help stimulate circulation by applying pressure on your calves or thighs, thereby pushing blood from your deep veins toward your heart. In doing so, they discourage blood from pooling in your legs.

The drawback to wearing compression stockings is that they can be uncomfortable, especially if your legs have already become swollen. Many patients end up removing or abandoning them altogether due to the discomfort. However, doing so places you at risk of experiencing several Yaz blood clot side effects.

Dangers Of Yaz And Blood Clots

Deep venous blood clots are dangerous because they can break away from the vein’s wall and travel directly to your heart through your vena cava. Once the migrating clots (called emboli) reach your heart, they can form a blockage in critical arteries.

For example, if an embolus passes through the right side of your heart, it can form a blockage within a pulmonary artery. This results in pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening event that often causes permanent lung damage.

If the embolus passes from the left side of your heart, it will likely emerge in your aorta. From there, it can travel into a coronary artery, triggering a heart attack. Or, it can travel to an internal carotid artery, causing an ischemic stroke.

Many healthy women who have no history of abnormal clotting have developed blood clots after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella birth control pills. In many cases, these clots have formed in the deep veins, exposing these women to post-thrombotic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke. If you have suffered blood clots, DVT, or other side effects of Yaz birth control, now is the time to explore your legal rights. Contact a Yaz attorney to discuss whether you should file a claim against the manufacturer including a Yaz lawsuit.