There are many more adverse events reported to the FDA for YAZ and Yasmin than for other birth control pills that have been around longer. The FDA has warned that these products can lead to increased levels of potassium in high-risk women, which can be dangerous or in extreme cases, fatal. In particular, if a woman's potassium levels are too high, it can cause serious heart problems and other complications such as death.
YAZ received FDA approval in 2006 and Yasmin in 2001. Yasmin and YAZ are birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. Yasmin and YAZ contains the same estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol, that has been used in the Pill since the 1970s, but the progestin in Yasmin and YAZ is new. Yasmin and YAZ both contain DRSP (drospirenone), a "fourth generation" progestin. No other birth control pills contain drospirenone, except for a recently approved generic version of Yasmin and YAZ, called Ocella.
Drospirenone causes an increase in potassium levels in the blood. The FDA has warned Bayer that "increased serum potassium can be dangerous." In fact, excess serum potassium can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause heart rhythm disturbances, such as extrasystoles, pauses or bradycardia. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can be fatal.
In addition, Yasmin and YAZ are marketed to reduce water retention and bloating often associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). However, too much loss of fluids can lead to dehydration, which also increases the risk of blood clots and stone formation in the gall bladder. If Yasmin or YAZ lead to excessive loss of fluids resulting in dehydration, women using these products can be at an increased risk of blood clots.
Side effects of Yasmin/YAZ use:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Seizure
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Stroke
- Death
- Heart Attack
- Kidney Failure
- Gallbladder Disease and/or Removal
- Liver Tumor
If you or a loved one have taken YAZ or Yazmin and suffered from any side effects, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
