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While all birth control pills have side effects, Yaz and its sister pill, Yasmin (which contains less estrogen) seems to be taking the cake for increasing lawsuits for its effect on women.
Courthouse News reports that Bayer faces 125 lawsuits against the Yasmin birth control pill. According to a recent complaint by Alishia Dianne Seagraves, "Yasmin and Yaz create 'unique and dangerous risks' for women because they contain a diuretic that has never been marketed in the U.S. and is unlike other progestins."
The complaint also states that the FDA warned Bayer multiple times about falsely portraying Yasmin/Yaz in commercials, downplaying how serious the risks were of the product.
Still, Bayer sponsored a study that reported exactly the opposite of what these lawsuits are claiming: that cardiovascular risks for women taking Yaz or Yasmin are the same as those who are taking other birth control pills. They also reported that pills with drospirenone (a progestin used in Bayer's oral contraceptives) are not more or less at risk for cardiovascular problems than women who took pills with another progestin, levonorgestrel. Other studies dispute this, finding that women are at a higher risk for blood clots when taking drospirenone.
Is Yaz and Yasmin safe for women to use? This is the ultimate question. And it makes one weary to read about the increasing number of lawsuits piling up against Bayer from women who have faced extreme side effects as a result of taking either pill. One point it does raise is that it's imperative for companies to accurately discuss the side effects and risks of taking a particular product - misleading advertising that has portray Yaz as some kind of miracle drug with few side effects has surely been a reason for the pile up in lawsuits.
It's difficult to know exactly how Yaz or Yasmin will affect each individual woman. So as with all birth control pills, it's extremely important to read and research information yourself, and then speak to a medical professional about your own health and how the pill may affect your body.
Do you know someone who has faced critical issues with Yaz or Yasmin? Or have you been using it and find it works well? Share your story.
Add a Comment7 Comments
Please read this article about the new developments with YAZ. The FDA has decided not to take the drug off the market despite harmful side effects.
http://news.yahoo.com/fda-panel-protects-yaz-profits-over-women-safety-081253110.html;_ylc=X3oDMTNsM2M1dnJlBF9TAzgyMzg5MjUyBGFjdANtYWlsX2NiBGN0A2EEaW50bAN1cwRsYW5nA2VuLVVTBHBrZwM4MGVkOWRiYS1mYzJhLTMwMzUtOWFlNS01MjlhYWNiNzg4MjgEc2VjA21pdF9zaGFyZQRzbGsDbWFpbAR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3
December 13, 2011 - 3:04pmThis Comment
Yaz, Yasmin Lawsuits in New Jersey Could be Deemed Mass Tort: http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/13790#more-13790
November 9, 2009 - 11:40pmThis Comment
This is a really powerful story about a woman who suffered a stroke and permanent brain damage after taking Yaz: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=7072836&rss=rss-kgo-video-7072836
October 23, 2009 - 2:44pmThis Comment
Our law firm provides more information on Yaz cases:
Certainly, patients want to be talking to their doctors about what birth control vehicle they should use based on the information currently available.
October 22, 2009 - 10:50amThis Comment
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing that information. I will make an appointment to discuss this with my doctor. Thanks!
October 21, 2009 - 8:52pmThis Comment
I am a lawyer in the United States and my law firm has been investigating potential yaz lawsuits since June of 2009. We have received about 75 to 100 inquiries and we are currently representing about 14 different females who have suffered a DVT, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke of Heart Attack. This is a high statistical number for adversed events. It appears there is a causal connection from the literature and the studies produced to date. It is early in the process and we have not seen the company documents yet, but I think if you are on Yaz currently you should consult your Doctor immediately to discuss these side effects. We were involved in the ortho evra litigation and were successful in resolving our clients claims against J&J and it appears the risk is higher with Yaz. If you have taken or are taking Yaz and have suffered one of these side effects you can receive a free consultation by going to http://www.ennislaw.com.
October 21, 2009 - 7:59pmThis Comment
I use Yasmin and have for 5 years. My Obstetrician put me on it after the birth of my second child to help with my acne which was horrific. I had so much acne on my neck that people thought it was a rash. I was painfully unhappy. The Yasmin amazingly repaired my skin and its very rare to have any pimples these days. So for me, I love Yasmin! It repaired my self esteem along with my skin.
Here in Australia pharma companies can't advertise direct to the public so most of the info about drugs come from your doctor or physician. I feel this may help to take away any marketing hype and stick to the facts. Though the pharma co are generally manipulative marketers anyway.
I must say I am a little worried after reading your post as to whether Yasmin is a good choice of pill. Thank you for raising my awareness of that. I'll chat to my doctor next time I need a script. Thanks!
I'd love to hear anyone elses experience.
October 21, 2009 - 5:51pmThis Comment