Use of Certain Oral Contraceptives May Result in Catastrophic Injuries

Pharmaceutical giant Bayer is the target of mounting lawsuits from women worldwide alleging that its two top-selling oral contraceptives—Yaz and Yazmin—caused serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

Both Yaz and Yasmin contain drospirenone, a progestin hormone that may increase blood potassium levels and cause heart attacks, strokes, gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.

Studies abound regarding the risks of progestins. A Bayer-sponsored study reported no difference in the risk of cardiovascular problems or death in women taking birth control pills with drospirenone as compared with those taking pills containing progestins that have been used since the 1970s. However, a study published recently in the British Medical Journal reports a higher risk of venous blood clots in Danish and Dutch women taking "newer" progestins, including drospirenone.

Yaz, the top-selling birth control pill in the United States, has been highly marketed by Bayer as also being effective for treating acne and severe premenstrual depression. But some say Bayer has gone too far with its promotional campaign. Earlier this year, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the manufacturer to correct false and misleading television advertisements.

The FDA also found fault with Bayer's quality control procedures, citing the manufacturer for not following proper protocol in one of its plants.

The lawsuits against Bayer allege that warnings for Yaz and Yasmin don't adequately warn about the possible side effects.

"It all comes down to the bottom line with pharmaceutical manufacturers," says Howard Krepack, partner with the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein. "They're in the business of making money, and if they can tout the 'positives' of a product and downplay the dangerous side effects, they will. They cannot be counted on to act responsibly without external pressure, which usually only comes when serious harm has been done."

Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein has had great success representing clients harmed by unsafe drugs, as well as clients injured by toxic substances. If you would like to talk to an attorney about your case, please contact us at 213-739-7000 or click to learn more about your legal options.