Yaz Side Effects Lawyer

by admin on August 9th, 2010

Yaz birth control is known as a fourth-generation oral contraceptive because it combines estrogen with a synthetic progestin hormone called drospirenone. All estrogen-based oral contraceptives pose a risk of serious side effects, most of which stem from an increased risk of blood clots (or, thrombi). Studies have revealed, however, the inclusion of drospirenone sharply raises this risk. Please contact us for a free consultation from a Yaz side effects lawyer.

Women using this birth control pill are exposed to a number of dangerous medical emergencies, such as pulmonary embolism and stroke. The potential consequences extend much further, however. The following presents an overview of the most common – and serious – Yaz side effects.

Deep Venous Thrombosis And Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Your venous network is responsible for delivering oxygen-poor blood to your heart and lungs. This network is composed of superficial veins and deep veins (with perforating veins connecting them). When clotting occurs within the superficial veins, you’ll experience symptoms related to restricted circulation, including mild discomfort and swelling. The danger typically ends there.

Clotting in the deep veins – a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – poses a greater risk. Thrombi form along the inner lining of the blood vessels, which sit among groups of muscles. Normally, the muscles squeeze the veins, and thus pump blood toward your heart. The danger is that this activity can also dislodge clots from the lining, allowing them to travel with your bloodstream.

Another side effect of DVT is a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). This results from prolonged occlusion of the blood vessels, which causes swelling, pain, and eventually, venous ulcers. With PTS, the one-way valves within your deep veins – responsible for regulating the direction of blood flow – suffer inflammation and damage. This is often a lifelong condition.

Pulmonary Embolism And Hypertension

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most serious Yaz side effects because it can be a life-threatening event. Most cases occur from clots that originate in the deep veins of the legs (i.e. DVT). Once they break away from the vein’s wall and travel to the heart, they are free to roam into a pulmonary artery. If an embolus (i.e. a migrating mass, such as a clot) blocks an artery – even partially – it will restrict blood flow to your lung tissue. The tissue will sustain damage unless the PE is treated quickly.

When blood flow to your lungs becomes restricted, the right side of your heart begins to work harder in order to pump sufficient blood to the tissue. This causes blood pressure in your lungs and the right side of your heart to rise, leading to pulmonary hypertension. Unless the condition is treated, your heart may eventually wear itself out, and fail.

Stroke And Heart Attack

Pulmonary hypertension can lead to other serious Yasmin side effects, such as stroke and heart attack. The increasing pressure in the heart can trigger an arrhythmia. A specific type of arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation causes the atria (i.e. upper chambers of your heart) to fibrillate. Even in moderate cases, the atria may become unable to empty properly, allowing blood to pool and clot inside the chambers. If clots leave the left side of your heart, they will travel into the aorta.

Your aorta carries oxygen-rich blood to other parts of your body. At its base, the right and left coronary arteries branch off and spread across the surface of your heart. A clot that migrates into these arteries may cause a blockage, triggering a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Along the upper curve of your aorta, the left and right carotid arteries branch off, and extend upward toward your brain. A clot that blocks either of these arteries will cause a stroke.

Gallstones And Gallbladder Disease

In addition to the side effects stemming from blood clots, the hormones in these birth control are believed to contribute to gallstones and Yaz gallbladder disease. They are thought to raise the level of cholesterol secreted by the liver, and reduce the contraction activity of the gall bladder. This allows excess cholesterol and bile fluid to remain and grow stale within the organ. Stones form and the inner lining of the organ becomes inflamed, causing sharp abdominal pain. If the condition is left untreated, it can eventually lead to infection, organ perforations, and even gangrene.

There are other Yaz side effects, but the above represent the most common and dangerous. If you have suffered from blood clots, PE, stroke, or gallbladder problems after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella birth control, you may have the right to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact an experienced Yaz lawyer to discuss your options.