What is Yaz?
Yaz is an oral birth control tablet, given 24/4 days, which contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 20 mcg ethinylestradiol per tablet. It is part of certain newer oral contraceptive formulations; but, its component drospirenone, a synthetic progestin has caused significant side effects in patients who have taken Yaz.
In particular, Yaz can cause life-threatening side effects for smokers, patients with a history of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis, i.e., deep vein blood clots), strokes, or other blood clots. Moreover, due to the fact that drospirenone is an anti-mineralocorticoid, it can effect potassium levels, and those taking medications which may increase potassium levels should not take Yaz, and it is contraindicated for patients with hepatic dysfunctions, renal dysfunction, or adrenal dysfunction. Yaz is manufactured by Bayer, and has been the subject of hundreds of lawsuits regarding allegations of failure to properly research the risks of the drug.
Yaz's Mechanism for Efficacy
As a synthetic progestin Yaz counteracts the estrogen-stimulated activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. It is also shown to lead to less water retention and breast tenderness and decrease acne during the menstrual cycles of the women who use it.
Yaz Has Been Linked To Deaths
Yaz has been linked to blood clots, which in turn have caused the death of patients who took Yaz. Specifically, the combination of chemicals it utilizes (drospirenone and 20 mcg ethinylestradiol) have been linked to increased incidents of thrombosis in women who take Yaz. Those increased incidents of thrombosis have lead to stroke, heart attack, and even death in women who have taken Yaz.
Side Effects of Yaz
Side effects of Yaz (drospirenone/ethinylestradiol) include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches;
- Decreased sex drive;
- Increased Appetite;
- Spotting (bleeding between cycles);
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Weight gain; and,
- Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium);
- Blood clots in the leg;
Signs of a blood clot in the leg, such as:- Leg cramps;
- Pain in calf; and,
- Leg or foot swelling.
- Blood clots in the lung;
Signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as:
- Shortness of breath;
- Sharp chest pain; and,
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain or heaviness in the chest (signs of a heart attach); and,
- Sudden loss of vision;
- Stroke;
Signs of a stroke, such as:
- Vision or speech changes;
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg; and,
- Severe headache.
- Liver damage;
Signs of liver damage, such as:
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice);
- Dark urine; and,
- Upper right abdominal pain.
- Depression;
- Migraines;
- Breast lumps;
- High blood pressure; and,
- High cholesterol.
Legal Help for Yaz Victims
If you, a family member or a friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition due to Yaz (drospirenone), please contact a Yaz Injury Lawyer at the Finz, firm today at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with an experienced Yaz litigation attorney now or fill out a Free Yaz Case Evaluation form .
