Consumer Alert: Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella's Dangerous Side Effects

July 12, 2010

Birth control pills Yaz, Yasmin and the generic Ocella have a unique ingredient called drospirenone, a synthetic progestin, which is not found in other birth control pills. Drospirenone has been associated with a number of severe side effects. Reported serious side effects include blood clots, as two recent epidemiological studies of pills containing drospirenone have found that these were associated with a higher risk of blood clots than some other oral contraceptives without drospirenone.[1] There have also been reports that drospirenone-containing pills may increase potassium levels, which can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition which can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances.[2] Additionally, oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease.[3] In February 2010, Bayer started a $20 million dollar corrective advertising campaign for Yaz after the FDA found the company overstated the drug's benefits while minimizing its risks.[4]

Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. is investigating potential claims on behalf of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella patients. If you wish to speak to us about a potential claim or an injury caused by Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella birth control pills, please call Kathy Neuman, R.N., B.S.N. at 1-800-553-9910 or contact her via email at contact us.

[1] O Lidegaard et al. Hormonal contraception and risk of venous thromboembolism: national follow-up study. BMJ. 2009;339:b2890; A Van Hylckama Vlieg et al. The venous thrombotic risk of oral contraceptives, effects of oestrogen dose and progestogen type: results of the MEGA case-control study. BMJ. 2009;339:b2921.

[2] R Schurmann et al. Effect of Drospirenone on Serum Potassium and Drospirenone Pharmacokinetics in Women With Normal or Impaired Renal Function. J Clin Pharmacol. 2006; 46: 867-875.

[3] C. Thijs et al. Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Gallbladder Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Am J Public Health. 1993 Aug; 83: 1113-1120.

[4] http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/11pill.html

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