Yaz Side Effects

by Steve Fields on August 28th, 2009

The benefits and side-effects of the birth control pill have been analyzed and debated for over forty years. Yaz birth control pills are one of the newest oral contraceptive pills being marketed to women. Unfortunately, women with no prior health problems have suffered from Yaz side effects such as gallbladder disease, blood clots and heart problems. The first generation of birth control pills (developed in the 1960’s) used a higher concentration of estrogen-like compounds called ethinyl estradiol as the main means of contraception, but over time it was believed that the levels of estrogen created a higher risk of developing blood clots. The second generation oral contraceptives were then introduced. They included progestins at varying concentrations and strengths, with some using gradually increasing hormones, resulting in a lower total dosage of hormone each month.

In the 1990s, the “third generation” pills were released, which have lower doses of active ingredients than early oral contraceptives. While both second and third generation oral contraceptives still contain both types of hormones, estrogen and progestin, the difference between second and third generation pills is the type of progestin contained in the pill. Second generation pills contain norgestrel, levonorgestrel, or norgestimate while third generation pills contain desogestrel or gestodene (outside of the US). Contraceptives like the patch (Ortho-Evra Patch) and the birth control ring (Nuvaring) also contain third-generation hormones.

Third generation pills have been shown to be just as good, if not better, in preventing pregnancy and have reduced side-effects such as irregular menstrual cycle, weight gain, unwanted hair growth and headaches. However, the concern over blood clots has yet again caused controversy. Research has shown that these third generation pills are associated with an increased risk (1.7 to 3 times as much) of forming blood clots (venous thrombosis). This significant discovery has resulted in calls for a ban on third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel due to the approximately doubled risk of venous thrombosis (30 cases for every 100,000 users per year of third generation oral contraceptives compared to 15 cases for every 100,000 users of second generation oral contraceptives).

There are studies of the third generation pills that have shown some positive benefits. In terms of heart disease protection, when compared to second generation pills, the new pills reduced the rate of heart attacks by two to three times. Another study even found third generation pills to be beneficial in raising the body’s “good” cholesterol (HDL), which has been linked to lower rates of cardiac disease. Drug manufacturers are now producing and marketing fourth-generation contraceptives. Examples of these new birth control pills are Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella which all contain the synthetic progestin drospirenone which is derived from a diuretic called spironolactone. Yaz birth control along with Yasmin have been heavily marketed to women by promoting the benefits of helping with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and reducing acne.

We represent all women who suffered from Yaz birth control side effects including blood clots, gallbladder disease and heart attacks on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation case review please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our short online contact form and a Yasmin attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.