Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella Lawsuit
Yaz and Yasmin are Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical, Inc.'s blockbuster oral contraceptives approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006. What is unique about Yaz and Yasmin when compared to previously prescribed oral contraceptives is the use of a manmade progestin hormone known as drospirenone. Lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, claiming serious and potentially fatal side effects of Yaz and Yasmin. Drospirenone containing oral contraceptives, (now used in a number of generic versions of the pill) have been linked to an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and gallbladder problems, including possible surgery for removal of the gallbladder.
In 2008, Yaz grew to be the best-selling birth control in the United States. In 2009, the drug reached a peak high in sales at $781 million. The drug was backed by millions of dollars in TV and magazine advertising, emphasizing its effect on hormonal side effects. Bayer pitched Yaz with the slogan, “beyond birth control,” and promoted “lifestyle” benefits over older contraceptives focusing on the drugs ability to resolve “moodiness,” “bloating,” and “acne.”
Sales fell drastically from one million per month to about 200,000 per month after Bayer was forced to add information about studies that found a heightened risk for blood clots. Bayer was also forced to run corrective advertisements after the FDA explained Bayer's marketing campaign overstated Yaz's effectiveness in treating premenstrual mood disorders, and used distracting music and visuals to downplay the drug's side effects.
The Food and Drug Administration's most recent study found that women taking Yasmin had a 75 percent higher chance of suffering a blood clot when compared with women taking a combination of older drugs. While the absolute risk of a blood clot remains a very small percent, even a slightly higher risk can be critical because blood clots can cause heart attacks, strokes and blockages in the lungs and blood vessels.
Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals faces lawsuits alleging that these products can cause potentially fatal blood clots and/or gallbladder disease. In February 2003, a paper entiltled “Thomboembolism Associated with the New Contraceptive Yasmin” was published in the British Medical Journal detailing a Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center report of five additional reports of thromboembolism where Yasmin was suspected as the cause, including two deaths.”
A generic equivalent for Yasmin called Ocella by Barr Laboratories, also contains drospirenone. This drug has also been linked to deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder complications and gallbladder disease; stroke; heart attack and death.
There are currently more than 10,538 Yaz and Yasmin injury lawsuits filed in Federal District Courts throughout the United States. All of the cases involve allegations that Bayer failed to adequately warn patients of the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening side effects of Yaz and Yasmin birth control. There are a series of three trials, known as bellwether cases, expected to begin in 2012. The first trial is expected to begin January 9, 2012 and will involve pulmonary embolism from Yaz. The second will involve a gallbladder injury from Yaz and the third trial will involve a venous thromboembolism, such as a deep vein thrombosis.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a birth control medication containing drospirenone, it is important that you protect your legal rights. With over three decades of experience, the law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. is well prepared to represent victims of oral contraceptives. Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. works with nationally recognized co-counsel to obtain major verdicts and settlements. Call 631-543-3663 for a free consultation or fill out a contact form.