As a fourth generation contraceptive, Gianvi combines drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol to assist in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. However, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between drospirenone-containing products and severe, life-threatening complications. Women who use Gianvi for a prolonged period of time may significantly increase their risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and any adverse health event that arises from such a condition.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism or other adverse cardiac event after taking Gianvi, 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.
Gianvi Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Overview
Gianvi, the generic counterpart to Yaz, was introduced to the U.S. market by Teva in 2010. Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDAs) approval, Gianvi was indicated to assist in the prevention of pregnancy in those opting for oral birth control. Gianvi is also indicated for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne in women at least 14 years of age.
Gianvi is what many consider to be a fourth generation contraception because of the active ingredient found within it. Drospirenone, unique to fourth generation contraception medications including Loryna, Beyaz, Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella and now Gianvi, is a progestin with the ability to prevent the ovulation process in women by altering conditions in the cervical and uterine lining. Combination oral contraceptives (COCs) such as these act by suppressing gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is the inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation). As a result, these altered conditions make it more difficult for any sperm to reach the uterus. Therefore serving as an affective form of birth control.
Unfortunatly, prolonged use of Gianvi may result in catastrophic complications. Again, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between drospirenone-containing products and severe side effects. Women who use Gianvi for a prolonged period of time may significantly increase their risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and any adverse health event that arises from such a condition. Due to the severe nature of these complications, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP regarding their potential Gianvi pulmonary embolism lawsuit.
Gianvi Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Gianvi include:
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Breast discharge
- Calf or leg pain
- Irregular heart beat
- Breathing difficulties
Pulmonary Embolism
Recent studies suggest that Gianvi may be responsible for the development of a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms are characterized by a blockage in one or more arteries in the lungs. Often times, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to your lungs from another parts of the body. Pulmonary embolism is a complication associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), otherwise characterized by a clotting in the veins farthest from the surface of the body.
Pulmonary embolism can occur in otherwise healthy people. Common signs and symptoms include sudden and unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain and a cough that may bring up blood-tinged sputum.
Pulmonary Embolisms that prohibit a sufficient amount of blood to be circulated to parts of the body prevent said parts from receiving the appropriate nutrients necessary for survival. Therefore, a Pulmonary Embolism may starve vital organs of oxygen and ultimately lead to severe complications. The following are potential adverse events that may coincide with a Gianvi pulmonary embolism:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Hyperkalemia
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)
- Heart attack
- Myocardial infraction
- Gallbladder complications
- 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 Pulmonary Embolisms 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. This risk is reported to be up to 2 to 3 times greater than the risk of VTE associated with using levonorgestrel-containing pills.
Do I Have a Gianvi Pulmonary Embolism 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 Gianvi pulmonary embolism lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism or other adverse cardiac event after taking Gianvi, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.