Yasmin, Yaz and Bayez are birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. Yasmin was released in 2001, Yaz in 2006, and Bayez in 2010.
Ocella, the generic version of Yasmin, is manufactured by Barr Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals, and was released in 2008.
The litigation involves these manufacturers for the dangerous side effects of these defective birth control pills.
Why Are the Manufacturers Subject to Lawsuits?
Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella were extensively studied for side effects years after their release. The British Medical Journal published the results of a large-scale study on October 25, 2011 confirming that Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella run a higher risk of causing dangerous blood clots than other birth control pills.
All birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. While the progestin used in other pills is levonorgestrel, the progestin used in Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella is known as drospirenone. Researchers believe drospirenone is what causes the higher risk. In fact, studies have shown women using the birth control pills containing drospirenone are twice as likely to suffer blood clots as women using birth control pills containing levonorgestrel.
The October 2011 study confirms two prior studies determining that Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella are not as safe as other pills and should not be the first choice in birth control. The use of drospirenone is not shown to be any more beneficial than other pills for preventing pregnancy, treating acne, alleviating premenstrual syndrome, or avoiding weight gain. According to these studies, there is no medical reason to use Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella in place of safer options.
While these studies did not include Bayez, it also contains drospirenone. In addition to blood clots, drospirenone has been linked to other serious side effects, including pulmonary embolism, heart attack and stroke.
Be Cautious of these Birth Control Pills
Blood clot injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, are serious. Do not simply assume the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are taking Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Bayez, or any other birth control pill containing drospirenone, consider discussing other options with your physician.
If you, or someone you know, has suffered from blood clots after taking Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella, do not hesitate to seek answers.