The Risks of Yaz and Other Birth Control Pills

Since introduction to the public in the 1960s, oral contraceptive pills have undergone many changes and many new brands have since been introduced. This method of birth control is generally regarded as being the most effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy (but not preventing any form of sexually transmitted disease), outside of abstinence, and is widely used by women all over the world. Statistics show that approximately 12 million women in the United States use COCP (Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills).

POPs (Progesterone Only Pills) are another type of birth control pill. These usually have less severe side effects, but must be taken on a much more strict time schedule (within 3 hours of the same time each day where COCPs have a 12 hour window). POPs are much more widely used in the UK than in the United States.

Many take oral contraceptive pills for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. One common use for taking oral contraceptive pills is to regulate hormones. They may be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, limit the menstrual cycle, reduce headaches, etc.

However, as with all forms of medication, there are certain risks when using oral contraceptives. These risks vary depending on the type, the brand, and the individual taking the medication. Side effects can range from mild to severe.

Common side effects of many oral contractive pills may include weight gain, increased risk of depression, and hypertension. These side effects are generally rare and mild and have seen a decreased frequency in the past few decades as COCPs and modern medicine have advanced.

However, the safety of certain forms of birth control has recently been called into question. The oral contraceptives known as Yaz and Yasmin (as well as their generic forms, such as Ocella) have been the target of recent investigation.

Yaz, manufactured by Bayar, is one of the highest selling oral contraceptive pills in the United States. The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been conducting tests and trials with Yaz for the past decade in order to ensure public safety.

A recent study reviewed the medical information of approximately 800,000 women who used Yaz from 2001 to 2007. Their research led to the findings that those who used Yaz were significantly more likely to have higher rates of blood clots than other women who used older forms of birth control pills. These blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to a number of other medical complications.

In 2008, the FDA notified the Bayer Company that the two television ads it was running for Yaz were misleading. The FDA cited the fact that neither advertisement addressed the fact that Yaz had not been tested for use by women who may suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but instead had only been tested for use in women who suffer from the more serious premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD).

Also, the FDA cited that the advertisements overstated the benefits of using the drug. The ad mentioned that Yaz may be used effectively for treatment of acne (another common alternative use for oral contraceptives) when the medication actually only received moderate scores for the treatment of acne.

Yaz, Yasmine, and their generic brands also carry certain other risks not common to other types of oral contraceptive. Along with the increased risk of blood clots, Yaz and Yasmine users also have an increased risk of heart attack, gallbladder disease, and liver cancer.

Since 2008, Bayer has released a series of ad campaigns to correct the errors mentioned by the FDA. This ad campaign has cost the company approximately $20 million. Also, Bayer now must submit all Yaz advertisements for federal screening for the next six years. These corrections have led to more honest ads concerning Yaz and related products.

Also, Yaz and Yasmine carry the FDA’s strongest warning label, reminding Yaz and Yasmine users that smoking while taking these medications may also increase the risk of heart problems.

They have also alerted many users to the fact that they may seek legal compensation if they were harmed while using Yaz or Yasmine. Since 2009, there have been more than 74 lawsuits regarding injuries and other medical complications caused by the use of these drugs.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to side effects of Yaz or other forms of contraceptive, you may be able to receive compensation. The Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers of Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., can provide you with a free legal consultation regarding your legal rights.

Call us toll free today at (800) 318-LAW1 or fill out our online contact form.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.