Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), otherwise known as a blood clot that occurs deep within bodily tissue, is a serious condition that can potentially be a catalyst for other life-threatening complications. Research suggests that as many as 600,000 people are diagnosed with DVT each year, in which an upwards of 100,000 of them will die. While already common amongst Americans, certain outside factors may increase the rate in which this condition is developed. Women who receive Yaz (generic: drospirenone & ethinyl estradiol) treatment may increase their risk of suffering from DVT and any subsequent adverse health events that occur.
If you or a loved one has suffered from DVT or any corresponding adverse events after taking Yaz, 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.
Yaz Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawsuit Overview
Yaz was developed by Bayer Healthcare, an industry leader in the field of pharmaceutical research and development. In conjunction with its release, on March 16, 2006, officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of Yaz as an oral contraceptive. Like similar fourth generation birth control pills, Yaz assists in the prevention of pregnancy while also treating moderate acne and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
As a fourth generation contraceptive, Yaz 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).
While Yaz has demonstrated a propensity for the reduction of unwanted pregnancies, its use may coincide with catastrophic results. Recent months have witnessed an influx of adverse complications, as they relate to the development of severe blood clots. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee, contraceptives containing drospirenone may raise potassium levels in blood too much. Significantly elevated potassium levels may result in the development of severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a DVT or blood clot should develop anywhere in the body, it could lead to several life-threatening complications. 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 Yaz deep vein thrombosis lawsuit.
Yaz Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep within the tissue. Also known as thrombi, DVT is the result of the body trying to heal itself from any injuries the blood vessel has sustained. While deep vein thrombi are considered a safety mechanism, their presence may result in catastrophic complications. If the clotting process is too extensive, and not enough blood is permitted to pass, the circulatory system is unable to maintain an efficient flow of blood. The clot therefore serves as an obstacle in the blood stream that prevents the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. As a result, vital organs may starve and eventually suffer from severe complications. The following complications may result from deep vein thrombosis:
- 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 DVT 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 DVT associated with birth control pills that contain drospirenone. Unfortunately, the presence of a severe DVT may lead to the development of several life-threatening complications.
Yaz Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawsuit
May 10, 2011 witnessed a plaintiff, the mother of now deceased Michelle Pfleger, file a Yaz deep vein thrombosis lawsuit against Bayer. The litigation is in response to the death of her daughter who was just 18 years old when she died from a pulmonary embolism. At the time of her death Michelle was using Yaz to control her acne.
Doctors acknowledged the cardiac arrest was due to a DVT that dislodged and traveled to the girls lungs. The clot caused a dramatic decrease in blood pressure that eventually killed her. As a result, the mother of the New Jersey teen alleges that her daughters death was caused by the side effects of Yaz.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of developing DVT:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Yaz Deep Vein Thrombosis 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 Yaz deep vein thrombosis lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from DVT or a corresponding injury after taking Yaz, 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.