Yaz Side Effects And Blood Clots

by Steve Fields on October 30th, 2009

Yaz side effects continue to be reported by women using this birth control along with the Yasmin contraceptive pill. Potassium plays a critical role in regulating your blood pressure and heart activity. However, if the serum level of potassium in your blood rises too far, it can trigger a condition called hyperkalemia. The symptoms of hyperkalemia vary, and extreme cases can be fatal. There are signs that Yaz oral contraceptives carry an increased risk of elevated potassium levels. As a result, women who take Yaz may unknowingly expose themselves to the possibility of developing hyperkalemia.

Some people believe the increased risk is due to Yaz containing a progestin called drospirenone. This is a synthetic hormone that is relatively new. Drospirenone has been the focal point of a growing tide of criticism because of several potentially life-threatening side effects it is thought to cause.

The Dangers Of Increased Potassium Levels

The progestin drospirenone contained in Yaz birth control has antimineralocorticoid qualities that resemble natural progesterone. In some women, this helps to increase the level of sodium excretion as well as regulate electrolyte levels. In other women, drospirenone can trigger a marked rise in potassium levels.

When your blood contains too much potassium, you run the risk of developing hyperkalemia. This is a condition that can influence the function of your heart. It can cause an irregular heartbeat, a weak pulse, and even cardiac arrest, which is potentially fatal. It can also cause nausea and a loss of nerve and muscle control. The likelihood of developing these side effects is sufficient enough that the official Yaz website warns women of the dangers.

There is an even greater risk of elevated potassium levels if you take Yaz oral contraceptives with other drugs that contain potassium or potassium-sparing diuretics.

Can Hyperkalemia Lead To Blood Clots?

All birth control solutions that include estrogen carry an increased risk of blood clots. Combination-hormone contraceptives that contain drospirenone (i.e. Yaz, Yasmin, and the generic version, Ocella) further increase the risk. There is also concern that hyperkalemia can exacerbate the risk of blood clots. Because hyperkalemia disturbs the heart’s rhythm, there is a possibility that blood can accumulate within the atrium. That can lead to clotting within the heart, exposing women to a potential heart attack.

It is worth noting that while the labeling on Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella products highlights the risk of hyperkalemia, it does not underscore its connection to clotting.

Yasmin And Yaz Side Effects

An elevated level of potassium within your bloodstream, while dangerous, is merely one of many possible side effects of using Yaz birth control. Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and gallbladder disease are also possible. Many women who have shown no signs of health problems in the past have suddenly experienced life-changing side effects after taking Yaz. Plus, the risk of developing these conditions can rise sharply for women who are over 35, habitual smokers, or cope with high cholesterol levels.

There is no evidence that Yaz birth control pills are superior to other oral contraceptives that lack the progestin drospirenone. If you are currently using Yaz, speak with your doctor about alternatives. If you have already suffered the dangerous side effects mentioned above, consider contacting one of our Yaz lawyers.