Women have been coming forward in increasing numbers in the last few months to file suit against Yasmin birth control, YAZ birth control, and the generic form Ocella. These contraceptives allegedly cause hyperkalemia and can lead to serious illness or death.
According to legal news sources, YAZ controls roughly 20% of the birth control pill market and is the most popular form of "the pill" in the United States. In the last year Bayer, which manufactures the YAZ and Yasmin pills, collected $1.8 billion in global sales off the products, making YAZ and Yasmin products the company's highest-selling drug worldwide.
Serious Side Effects of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella
While YAZ and Yasmin differ in dosage, they contain the same amount of drospirenone (DRSP), which is a synthetic progestin not found in other birth control pills. This compound allegedly elevates potassium, a condition also known as hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia can lead to disrupted heart rhythms and blood clots. Other side effects include stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and even sudden death. Because YAZ and Yasmin are contraindicated for women over 35, these medical problems are more likely to occur in young women between the ages of 14 and 34, on whom Bayer has focused its advertising campaigns for YAZ. The risks for women over the age of 35 are even higher.
FDA Warnings to Bayer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent multiple warnings to Bayer about their promotion and manufacturing practices regarding YAZ.
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