Pulmonary embolism is the direct result of a thrombi that has been dislodged in an artery. Once dislodged, the clot then travels through the bloodstream and arrives at the lungs, where it creates a subsequent obstruction. This blockage results in several complications with life-threatening implications. Unfortunately, outside factors may contribute to the rate in which people develop this condition. Women who use Safyral may significantly increase their risk of suffering from a pulmonary embolism and any corresponding complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after taking Safyral, 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.
Safyral Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Overview
Continuing with the illustrious reputation of Bayer Healthcare products, Safyral was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. Indications on Safyral labeling acknowledge that the contraceptive is approved to assist in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. However, the birth control pill is also indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne.
As a fourth generation contraceptive, Safyral utilizes an active ingredient known as drospirenone. Drospirenone is a progestin that has the inherent ability to alter the conditions in the cervical and uterine lining, therefore preventing the ovulation process in women. By suppressing what are known as gonadotropins, drospirenone inhibits ovulation by altering the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation). When taken as directed, Safyral has shown a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, the outcome of a recent FDA Advisory Committee has acknowledged that drospirenone-containing contraceptives such as Safyral may elevate potassium levels too much. The presence of heightened potassium levels may increase the risk of developing a blood clot in a large vein. If this should happen, part of the clot may break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism and, possibly, death. Due to the severe nature of this complication, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Safyral pulmonary embolism lawsuit.
Pulmonary Embolism
According to recent studies, Safyral may increase the risk of a woman experiencing a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms are characterized by a blockage in one or more arteries in the lungs. Often times, pulmonary embolisms are caused by a blood clot in the veins that fractures and travels to the lungs. The resulting blockage may prevent a sufficient amount of oxygenated blood from being circulated throughout the body. 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 Safyral pulmonary embolism:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- 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 deep vein thrombosis 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 deep vein thrombosis associated with birth control pills that contain drospirenone. The development of DVT may result in a number of life-threatening complication, one of which is pulmonary embolism.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Loryna
Do I Have a Safyral 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 Safyral 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 after taking Safyral, 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.