In a safety announcement released late September, the United States FDA or Food and Drug Administration stated their remaining concern regarding the use of contraceptives—particularly Yaz and Yasmin—which are drospirenone-containing birth control pills that increase the likelihood of blood clots.
Birth control pills that contain drospirenone are considered fourth-generation contraceptives, and are made up of a synthetic form of progesterone—the female hormone. They have previously been linked to unintended serious health complications, including heart problems, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure. Earlier studies have also noted a risk of blood clots.
The FDA reviewed two studies from 2011 and is continuing its analysis of a separate FDA-funded study that assessed the risk of blood clots in users of several different hormonal birth control products. The FDA’s initial findings suggest that compared to women who use other hormonal contraceptives, the increased risk of blood clots for users of drospirenone-containing birth control pills is approximately 1.5-fold.
The FDA identified several factors for VTE or venous thromboembolism, which is the increased risk of blood clots, particularly in women who take birth control pills such as Yaz. These factors include obesity, smoking, and a family history of VTE.
In a statement to the USA Today, Lenox Hospital obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Wu stated that she would personally not start patients on this pill, as blood clots are extremely serious and can kill patients. With all the existing options, new patients should probably start with safer contraceptive pills.
The FDA has scheduled a joint meeting of the Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee on December 8 to discuss both the benefits ad the risks, particularly the risk of blood clots and birth control pills that contain drospirenone. They anticipate announcing their findings in December.
If you take Yaz, Yasmin, or any other birth-control pills, and experience any medical issues you should contact your doctor. The potential side effects can be very serious, and should be addressed immediately. If you are injured by a prescription medicine, you may be able to seek compensation.
Contact a Florida Defective Medical Products Lawyer
If you or a family member has suffered heart problems, high blood pressure, blood clots or other health complications while taking Yaz or Yasmin, contact a Florida defective medical products lawyer at the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney.
The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, protects the rights of medical malpractice victims by getting the insurance companies to pay what is fair. We represent victims of defective medical devices and medical malpractice in Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Palm Beach.
Call 1-800-299-8878 to speak with a knowledgeable Florida medical device attorney or fill out our online contact form.
