According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 785,000 Americans experience their first heart attack each year. Otherwise known as myocardial infraction, heart attacks are the direct result of cardiac tissue being damaged or killed due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Unfortunately, the rate in which heart attacks occur may increase with the help of outside factors. Women who take Beyaz (generic: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol and levomefolate) may significantly increase their risk of suffering from a heart attack.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack 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 Heart Attack Lawsuit Overview
After gaining the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bayer, the maker of Beyaz, released their newest oral contraceptive on September 24, 2010. Following FDA approval Beyaz was indicated for pregnancy prevention in those who choose to do so. However, other indications acknowledge that Beyaz may help reduce the presence of moderate acne and alleviate the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Unique in its own right, Beyaz consists of three active ingredients. The first, and most prominent ingredient, is a progestin known as drospirenone. As a progestin, drospirenone alters conditions in the cervical and uterine lining by suppressing gonadotropin. The resulting conditions are inhospitable to sperm and prevent them from entering the uterus, which in turn prohibits implantation. Similar to that of drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol prevents ovulation in the same regards. However, it is the third ingredient that separates Beyaz from similar contraceptives. Levomefolate is a B vitamin that is introduced to assist in the prevention of birth defects that may result from Beyaz use. When combined, the three have demonstrated a 99% success rate when preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, a recent FDA Advisory Committee has acknowledged that drospirenone-containing products may coincide with catastrophic complications. According to those on the committee, drospirenone may elevate potassium in the blood to dangerously high levels. Subsequently, this potassium spike may result in the development of severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Should one of these clots form and prohibit blood flow to the heart, a heart attack may be imminent. Due to the severe nature of these clots, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Beyaz heart attack lawsuit.
Beyaz Heart Attack
Studies suggest that drospirenone may be responsible for a spike in potassium levels. In the event that this happens, the risk of adverse thrombotic events increases significantly. A heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction) is classified as a thrombotic event and typically occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a coronary artery. Impeded blood flow may result in damaged coronary tissue and a subsequent heart attack if enough tissue is damaged. Unfortunately, heart attacks are unpredictable and may result in fatal circumstances. Signs and symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Upper body pain
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Clammy skin
- Unusual or unexplained fatigue
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 heart attack.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of a heart attack:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Beyaz Heart Attack 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 heart attack lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack 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.