Symptoms of Yaz Blood Clots and Coumadin

by Steve Fields on September 11th, 2009

There are two primary types of blood thinners prescribed for women who have suffered from symptoms of Yaz blood clots. Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), work on chemical reactions in your body to lengthen the time it takes to form a blood clot. Antiplatelet drugs, for example aspirin, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Coumadin, known generically as warfarin, is the second most common blood thinner or anticoagulant. It helps reduce the clotting ability of the blood by decreasing the amount of vitamin K available for use in the body, which in turn reduces the efficiency of blood clot formation by the body. Blood clots (venous thrombosis) can cause serious medical problems by moving to other parts of the body and blocking blood flow at another location, called venous thromboembolism.

Women using Yasmin and Yaz birth control who develop a blood clot are frequently prescribed Coumadin following their diagnosis. Blood clots typically manifest in the lower extremities but can occur in the abdomen, the veins of the brain, the upper extremities, and in superficial veins of the extremities. While Coumadin prevents blood clots from forming, it does not dissolve blood clots that have already formed. However, it may keep the blood clots from becoming larger and causing more significant problems.

Coumadin is prescribed when your body may be making blood clots or you have a medical condition known to promote unwanted blood clots. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are significant public health problems in the United States. Estimates suggest that 350,000 to 600,000 Americans have a DVT or PE each year, and that at least 100,000 people die as a result. Women have reported Yaz side effects including blood clots while on this fourth-generation birth control. Conditions which increase your risk of developing blood clots include atrial fibrillation, a certain type of irregular heart rhythm, heart valve replacement, or a recent heart attack. Coumadin is often prescribed for patients with deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs. These clots can travel to the lungs and lead to a pulmonary embolism.

The following medicines may increase or decrease the effects of blood thinners. Because there are so many different kinds of medications within each category, not every type of medicine is listed by name.

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol, Excedrin)
• Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
• Ketoprofen (e.g., Orudis, Orudis KT)
• Naproxen (e.g., Aleve)
• Medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat (antiarrhythmics)
• Antacids
• Corticosteroids or other cortisone-like medicines
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Calcium and vitamin K supplements
• Sleeping pills
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain medicines used to treat convulsions
• Medicines used to treat an overactive thyroid
• Certain antifungal medicines

Coumadin can have dangerous side effects or interactions that can place you at risk. The most common side effect is abnormal and sometimes profuse bleeding. Some women who develop Yaz and blood clots are faced with taking Coumadin for the rest of their life. People who take Coumadin must monitor stool color and seek medical attention if stools become black or tarry-appearing. Bleeding and easy bruising can occur anywhere in the body, however. It can also interact badly with some foods, especially those containing vitamin K, because it can prevent Coumadin from working properly and may leave you temporarily at a high risk of stroke.

If you have any questions regarding your legal options after suffering from a blood clot that may be caused by Yaz or Yasmin birth control please contact us and a Yaz blood clot lawyer can go over whether you have a case and the process to file a claim. There is never any cost or obligation to speak with one of our lawyers.