Yaz Side Effects Diagnosis and Treatment DVT

by Steve Fields on September 25th, 2009

To diagnose a blood clot in the leg also commonly referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your physician will ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history and current symptoms. A physical exam will also be performed to examine any areas of swelling, tenderness or discoloration on your skin. Depending on how likely you are to have a blood clot, your doctor may order further testing. Many women suffering from symptoms of Yaz side effects have undergone testing to see if they have developed a blood clot. Often they mistake blood clot symptoms for just having a sore leg or a pulled muscle.

The initial test is usually an ultrasound. An ultrasound test measures the blood flow through your veins and helps find any clots that might be preventing the flow. Sometimes a several ultrasounds are done over a number of days to determine whether a blood clot is growing or to rule out that a new one has not developed.

We offer a free no-obligation consultation regarding filing a Yaz lawsuit and claim deadlines for your state.

Additional tests may be used when ultrasound results are unclear. These tests may help diagnose or exclude a blood clot but are not frequently needed:

1. CT or MRI scans. Both computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide visual images of your veins and may show if a clot is present. Sometimes a venous thrombosis is found when these scans are performed for other reasons.

2. Blood test. Almost all people who develop severe deep vein thrombosis while on Yaz or Yasmin birth control have an elevated blood level of a clot-dissolving substance called D-dimer. However, D-dimer is elevated in other conditions, too. Thus, a test for D-dimer is not very conclusive. It is most useful for ruling out DVT or identifying people at risk of recurrence.

3. Venography. A dye is injected into a large vein in your foot or ankle. An X-ray procedure creates an image of the veins in your legs and feet to look for clots. This test is used less frequently today because less invasive studies can usually confirm the diagnosis.

If you are treated with anticoagulant medicines, you may need periodic blood tests to monitor the effects of the anticoagulant on the blood. Blood tests include activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to monitor treatment with standard or unfractionated heparin, and prothrombin time (PT) or INR, to monitor treatment with warfarin (Coumadin).

Yaz side effect treatment options include:

1. Blood Thinners. Medicines used to treat DVT include the use of anticoagulants. These are drugs that help decrease your blood’s ability to clot. While they do not break up existing blood clots, they can prevent clots from getting bigger or reduce your risk of developing additional clots. Common anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin. Heparin is given through a vein (intravenously, or IV) or as an injection. Warfarin is given as a pill. Treatment usually involves taking blood thinners for at least 3 months to prevent existing clots from growing.

The use of heparin and warfarin must be closely monitored because both can have side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding. On the other hand, if your dose is too low, you are at increased risk of additional blood clots. To monitor the effects of blood thinners, you will need periodic blood tests to check how long it takes your blood to clot.

2. Filters. If you are at a high risk for PE and you cannot take medicines to thin your blood, a vena cava filter may be used. The filter is inserted into the vena cava, the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the abdomen and legs. This filter stops blood clots from breaking loose and traveling to your lungs.

3. Compression Stockings. These tight-fitting, elastic stockings are worn on the leg from your foot to about the level of your knee. This pressure helps reduce the chances that your blood will pool and clot. They should be worn for at least a year if possible. Sometimes patients who have developed significant blood clots are recommended to use compression stocking on a long-term basis.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding side effects or if you want to discuss your legal options including filing a Yaz lawsuit. We are currently representing women who have suffered from Yaz side effects throughout the United States.