Yaz is a birth control pill that has been prescribed to as many as 100 million women since its release in 2006. Bayer, the maker of Yaz, initially marketed the drug as a safe birth control alternative with limited premenstrual syndrome (PMS) bloating and acne, as compared to traditional oral contraceptives. Once the most popular birth control pill in the U.S., Yaz has come under fire in the last few years for causing dangerous and even fatal side effects.
What is Yaz Used For?
Yaz is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy by causing changes in the cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for the fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
It is also used to treat moderate acne in women over the age of 14 who have started their period and want to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, and for the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Early testing revealed that Yaz produced a variety of side effects common to birth control bills in general, including:
Yaz and Blood Clots
In recent years, researchers have found that drospirenone, the fourth-generation progestin contained in Yaz, raises the levels of potassium in the blood, which increases the risk of blood clots and clot-related events such as:
Many medical groups, including the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, the FDA, and publications such as the New England Journal of Medicine, and the British Medical Journal, have issued blood clot warnings associated with taking Yaz. According to the FDA, 22,000 women who have taken Yaz have reported adverse side effects, including over 3,500 reports of pulmonary embolism and nearly 3,000 cases of deep vein thrombosis.
Yaz Lawsuits
Yaz recently announced that it has reached settlement in over 17,000 cases brought by women who say that they have suffered blood clots and other injuries as a result of taking the drug. Bayer still faces thousands of lawsuits across the country, and reportedly has spent nearly $1 billion to settle Yaz claims. The Yaz Lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith continue to review and file Yaz Lawsuits on behalf of victims nationwide. If you have questions about your injuries or your rights, give us a call to learn how we can help.
