Strokes are characterized by a reduction to the supply of nutrients and oxygen in the brain. The lack of nutrients can severely damage or even kill brain cells. Subsequently, said damage has become a leading cause of both death and long-term disability. While already common, certain outside factors may increase the rate in which this condition is developed. More specifically, women who take Beyaz (generic: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol and levomefolate) may significantly increase their risk of suffering from a life-threatening stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after taking Beyaz, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Beyaz Stroke Lawsuit Overview
As a relatively new addition to prescription oral contraceptives, Beyaz was released by Bayer on September 24, 2010. Prior to its release on the U.S. market, Beyaz was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the prevention of pregnancy as prescription birth control pill. Indications on Beyaz boxes also acknowledge that the contraceptive may reduce the presence of moderate acne and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Beyaz is unique, in that it combines three active ingredients to help prevent pregnancy and eliminate future complications. As the most prominent ingredients, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol work simultaneously to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in the cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The remaining ingredient, levomefolate, is a B vitamin that has the inherent ability to reduce the risk of birth certain birth defects that may occur.
While Beyaz has proven to be 99% effective when taken as directed, it is not without concern. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee, drospirenone-containing products may cause blood potassium levels to spike. Significantly elevated potassium levels may result in the development of severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If one of these should develop in an artery leading to the brain, women may be at risk of suffering from a stroke or possibly death. Due to the severe nature of DVT, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Beyaz stroke lawsuit.
Beyaz Stroke
The development of a blood clot within an artery leading to the brain may coincide with catastrophic complications. A large enough obstruction may prohibit nutrients and oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in a stroke. If a clot succeeds in prohibiting this flow of blood for a prolonged period of time, the lack of nutrients will result in the death of brain cells or permanent damage.
Strokes may result in both temporary and permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain was without oxygen and how many subsequent brain cells were lost. The longer the brain is deprived of such nutrients, the more damaging the stroke will be. Regardless of how long the brain is without a proper blood supply, the following complications may ensue:
- Paralysis
- Loss of muscle movement
- Difficulty talking
- Memory loss
- Severe pain
- Changes in behavior
- Death
FDA Safety Communication
According to an FDA Safety Communication, the agency is aware of two newly published studies that evaluated the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women who use birth control pills that contain drospirenone. The two recently published studies looked at whether there is a higher risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing the progestin drospirenone when compared to similar women taking birth control pills containing a different progestin called levonorgestrel. These two new studies reported that there is a greater risk of VTE associated with birth control pills that contain drospirenone. Unfortunately, the presence of a severe VTE may lead to the development of several life-threatening complications, one of which is a stroke.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of severe, life-threatening complications:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Beyaz Stroke Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Beyaz stroke lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after taking Beyaz, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.