FDA Examining Link between Increased Blood Clot Risk and Yaz

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation into the risks of blood clots associated with the use of Yasmin and Beyaz birth control pills.

These pills contain a compound called drospirenone. Other birth control pills contain a compound called levonorgestrel.

The warning released by the FDA to consumers a week ago provides information to women taking the pills known as Yasmin, Yaz, or Beyaz. The warning has been issued in response to two published studies on the pills. The studies indicate that women who take the pills with drospirenone are 2 -3 times more likely to develop blood clots than the women who are using the pills containing levonorgestrel.

Women who develop the blood clots can experience persistent leg pain, severe chest pain or sudden shortness of breath. Some women who have already brought suit against the company have suffered from strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or other types of blood clots.

The FDA is comparing these two studies that were published in the British Medical Journal with other studies that have been done on the pills. Other studies have found no evidence of increased blood clot risk. The FDA is recommending to women that they contact their doctor if they want to express concerns or ask questions or if considering halting the use of the pills.

The European Medicines Agency has already officially determined that the use of these pills brings with it a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). They have recommended that the labels be updated.

Experts have said that the drospirenone compound can disrupt the body's ability to regulate the balance between salt and water. This can cause an increase of potassium in the body, which is also known as hyperkalemia. This condition can cause life-threatening heart problems and other health issues.

There are reportedly about 7,000 lawsuits against Bayer, the makers of the pills. These lawsuits allege that the drug maker failed to warn about the increased risk of health problems associated with the use of these pills. If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or any other type of blood clot, then contact our office today.

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we represent Georgia victims who suffer serious side effects from drugs throughout Georgia. If you or a family member has experienced serious Yaz side effects, the attorneys of Montlick and Associates may be able to help. Our Georgia products liability attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Call us today for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or visit us on the web at www.montlick.com. No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.