Bayer Healthcare, a prominent member of the pharmaceutical industry, has once again found themselves at the center of increasing criticism. Subsequently, the international company has witnessed a barrage of litigation come against them in recent years. Of particular significance, however, are the amount of lawsuit settlements that have been associated with their popular contraceptive Yasmin. According to Bayer representatives, Yasmin lawsuit settlements have increased to more than $402 million.
Yasmin received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 11, 2001. Following approval, it was indicated for the use in women looking to avoid unwanted pregnancies. When taken as directed, the oral contraceptive demonstrated a 99 percent success rate. However, Yasmin has been prescribed by dermatologists to assist in the treatment and prevention of moderate nodular acne in women of at least 14 years of age.
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol are the two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that give Yasmin the ability to assist in the prevention of pregnancy. As a member of the progestin class of drugs, drospirenone reduces the activity of the gonadotropins. Furthermore, it has the ability to inhibit ovulation by altering the conditions of both the cervical mucus and the endometrium. The resulting conditions make it difficult for fertilization to occur. Ethinyl estradiol acts in the same way, meaning it changes the environment of the cervix.
Having already established itself as one of the premier options for birth control, Yasmin has assisted in the prevention of pregnancy for millions of women on a daily basis. Unfortunately, however, oral contraceptives containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) drospirenone have recently been associated with the development of serious side effects. According to an FDA Advisory Committee, drospirenone has a propensity to increase blood potassium levels in patients. Subsequently, increased ratios of potassium may be trigger the initiation of the blood clotting cascade. The onset of this process may result in the development of dangerous and unnecessary blood clots. If said blockages are significant enough, a patient may be subjected to several potentially dangerous cardiovascular complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
Due to the rate and severity in which these incidents may occur, many Yasmin lawsuits have already been filed in U.S. courts. In fact, Bayer has already resolved approximately 1,900 cases in which plaintiffs have claimed that Yasmin was responsible for the development of severe blood clots that caused subsequent cardiovascular complications. Accordingly, Bayer acknowledged that they had already paid $402.6 million in settlements of one category of clot cases, for an average of about $212,000 a case.
In response to the influx of Yasmin lawsuits, Bayer was forced to take precautions and double their monetary reserves for Yaz and Yasmin cases, setting aside 496 million euros ($610.5 million). The drug-maker set aside a total of about 200 million euros in 2010 and 2011, according to securities filings. “We believe we have made appropriate provisions for most of the cases we consider to be worthy of settlement with these accounting measures,” Bayer officials said in an e-mailed statement.
Do I Have a Yasmin 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 Yasmin lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Yasmin, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-800-773-0849.