Yaz, a popular and aggressively marketed oral contraceptive sold by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical, Inc., is linked to thousands of injuries and deaths. The once-a-day birth control pill may cause several potentially life-threatening side effects, including heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and even sudden death. More than 16,000 lawsuits have been filed, and Bayer has already spent approximately $1.75 billion to settle almost 9,000 claims. Despite the dangers, Yaz remains one of the most widely used birth control pills on the market. Contact a Boston Drug Injury Attorney Today.
The Hormone Drospirenone May be the Culprit
Following FDA approval in 2006, Yaz quickly became popular as a safe birth control alternative that treated undesirable menstrual symptoms such as PMS, acne, bloating, and even more serious emotional symptoms. Yaz is part of a group of newer contraceptive treatments that include the hormone drospirenone, a type of progestin that affects the uterus lining. Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella are the only three contraceptives on the market today that include drospirenone, which may be the main cause of serious side effects. It can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia, which is an increase in the levels of blood potassium. Especially in individuals with pre-existing liver, kidney, or adrenal disease, hyperkalemia can be extremely dangerous. To date, an estimated 100 million women have been prescribed these drugs.
Yaz is linked to multiple serious side effects. These include:
- Blood clots and pulmonary embolism
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Gallbladder disease
- Death
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of Yaz, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., claiming that the company failed to warn physicians and consumers about the potential risks. In addition, evidence shows that Bayer failed to perform adequate testing and research prior to placing Yaz on the market. This negligence may have put users at an increased risk of life-threatening health problems.
Furthermore, once it became apparent that Yaz was linked to these serious health complications, Bayer failed to issue a recall. In fact, the pharmaceutical company continued to aggressively market the drug, and even encouraged misuse. Safety concerns were concealed and / or misrepresented to consumers and physicians at the expense of the health and well-being of millions of women.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Drug Injury Law Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder disease, or any other injury after using Yaz or Yasmin, it is in your best interest to contact a drug injury lawyer immediately. Compelling evidence shows that Yaz manufacturer Bayer knew about the risks to women but concealed or downplayed these risks in its own favor. Profits should never come at the expense of public health. Bayer’s failure to warn may have caused thousands of injuries and even death. If you have been injured, we can help. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have nearly 50 years of experience protecting the rights of injury victims. We will make sure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.