Yaz Class Action Lawsuit News

by Steve Fields on October 16th, 2009

Currently there is no Yaz class action lawsuit and claims continue to be filed individually for women and families affected by serious side effects. Yasmin birth control pills were originally manufactured by Berlex Laboratories and won FDA approval for contraception in 2001. Bayer Healthcare took over Berlex in 2006 and immediately produced Yaz, a drug that is practically identical to Yasmin. It won FDA approval for pregnancy prevention in 2006. The only difference between the two pills is the amount of ethinyl estradiol used (0.03 mg for Yasmin and 0.02 mg for Yaz). Both drugs have been marketed aggressively to doctors and as a result, have together become the highest-selling birth control pills on the U.S. market.

The marketing campaigns that were used to promote both contraceptives have come under enormous scrutiny. Below, you’ll discover why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured the drugs. You’ll also learn why a growing number of women are stepping forward to file lawsuits against these companies.

The FDA Warnings

In 2003, the FDA issued a warning to Berlex Laboratories (prior to Berlex being taken over by Bayer Healthcare). The catalyst was the company’s advertisement campaign, which strongly suggested that Yasmin was superior to all other birth control pills on the market. The agency’s complaint also focused on the lack of language warning the public about the potential risk of developing side effects.

In 2008, the FDA issued another warning – this time, to Bayer Healthcare. Their complaint was multi-fold. Bayer was marketing Yaz not only as a pregnancy prevention, but also as a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fatigue, and acne. The problem was that the FDA had only approved Yaz for use as a contraceptive, and as a treatment for PMDD and mild cases of acne.

There was second problem with Bayer’s advertisements. The FDA alleged that the company’s ads obfuscated the risks of developing Yaz side effects by distracting viewers with music and stimulating imagery. The agency demanded changes.

An Attempt To Clarify Early Misrepresentations

Bayer reached an agreement with the FDA and 27 state attorneys general who had filed their own complaints against the manufacturer. The terms of that agreement required Bayer to launch a $20 million marketing effort to clarify the uses for which Yaz and Yasmin are approved.

Another stipulation required the pharmaceutical company to seek approval from federal regulators for all of their Yaz ads for the next six years. The FDA hopes to screen their ads for misleading statements before they reach the public.

Yasmin And Yaz Lawsuits Emerge

The agreement forged by the FDA and state attorneys general will help inform women about the dangers of using Yasmin and Yaz. However, many women have already suffered from a number of severe side effects that were caused by the drugs. Some have developed deep venous thrombosis, gallbladder problems, liver damage, and pulmonary embolisms. Others have experienced strokes and heart attacks.

Already many Yasmin And Yaz lawsuits have been filed individually to hold Bayer Healthcare accountable. These lawsuits claim that the pharmaceutical company’s advertisements led them to not only use the drugs for pregnancy prevention, but also to treat conditions for which they were not approved. The number of victims is growing. If you have suffered from any side effects triggered by the use of these drugs, contact a Yasmin lawyer today.

For the latest information and deadlines for filing a Yaz lawsuit please contact us for a free no-obligation case review. We are currently representing women affected by Yaz and Yasmin side effects throughout the United States.