Yaz Lawsuit Side Effects

by Steve Fields on November 28th, 2009

Due to an aggressive advertising campaign, Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills have become the top-selling oral contraceptives in the U.S. Millions of women use them not only as a birth control solution, but also to treat moderate acne, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Over the last several years, many of these women have experienced serious side effects. As a result, some women have looked at filing a Yaz lawsuit side effects claim.

Yaz and Yasmin (as well as the generic brand Ocella) are known as combined-hormone oral contraceptives. They contain estrogen and drospirenone, a relatively new synthetic progestin. These birth control pills have been linked to blood clots, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. They have also been known to contribute to gallbladder disease.

Potential Side Effects Of Yaz Blood Clots

Blood clots represent one of the most common risks associated with using Yaz and Yasmin. This is due largely to the combination of estrogen and drospirenone. Clots that form within superficial veins (veins that are located directly underneath the skin) normally do not present a threat. However, Yaz blood clots can become dangerous when they form within a deep vein, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Deep vein thrombosis typically causes pain, swelling, and redness in the site of the clot. If the clot breaks away and travels with the bloodstream, it can reach and block major arteries. If it blocks a pulmonary artery, it can trigger pulmonary embolism. Survivors often endure permanent lung damage. If the blood clot blocks a coronary artery, it can cause a heart attack, resulting in permanent damage to the heart muscle. The clot can also block a carotid artery, triggering a stroke.

Each of these conditions are potential side effects of abnormal clotting caused by Yasmin and Yaz birth control pills. Each can lead to lifelong physical impairment.

The Impact Of Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

As noted, Yaz and Yasmin have also been linked to an increased risk of gallbladder disease. Researchers suspect that both oral contraceptives raise the level of cholesterol within a woman’s body while simultaneously reducing the activity of the gallbladder. This causes two problems. First, higher levels of cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones. Second, if the gallbladder loses its ability to properly contract and push bile out, the bile can cause acute inflammation within the organ.

When Yaz gallbladder disease is symptomatic, it is usually accompanied by extreme pain, fever, and nausea. The most common form of treatment is to have the gallbladder surgically removed through a procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One of the risks is that the bile ducts can become damaged during the operation. This is a problem that requires subsequent surgery.

Yaz And Yasmin Side Effects Can Have Severe Consequences

Many of the side effects associated with taking Yaz and Yasmin oral contraceptives are potentially life-threatening and have long-term impacts. Pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke can be fatal; survivors are often forced to endure some level of physical impairment. Gallbladder disease can cause excruciating pain, and having the organ surgically removed can carry its own consequences.

If you have suffered DVT, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke, or gallbladder disease after taking these birth control pills, explore your legal rights. Contact a Yaz side effects lawyer to discuss whether you should bring a claim including filing a Yaz lawsuit.