YAZ warnings regarding the serious side effects that women can develop as a result of taking this oral contraceptive have been gaining national attention since 2008 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reprimanded YAZ’s manufacturer, Bayer, for:
- overstating the drug’s approved uses
- failing to adequately research the risks associated with Yaz
- failing to adequately communicate to the public what risks are associated with taking Yaz
YAZ was FDA approved and introduced to U.S. markets by Bayer in 2006, but it was not the first birth control pill to include the progestin drospirenone. In 2001, Yasmin, an oral contraceptive with similar chemical makeup was FDA approved and introduced by Bayer. Ocella, a generic version of Yasmin, was FDA approved in 2008 and is marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals. All three varieties have been reported to cause similar rare, but serious, side effects.
Yasmin, YAZ, and Ocella Warnings: At Risk Patients
To minimize the chances of developing serious Yasmin, YAZ, or Ocella side effects (such as stroke, heart attack, gallbladder disease, and pulmonary embolism), it is crucial that women discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting a course of birth control.
Yasmin, YAZ, and Ocella warnings indicate that women who have the highest risk of developing serious side effects are:
- older than 35
- have a history of smoking
- have a history of hypertension, liver/kidney/gallbladder disease, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
Women who have any of these attributes should work with their doctor to find a safer contraception alternative.
More Recent YAZ FDA Warnings
In September 2009, Bayer was once again cited by the FDA due to reports that its factory in Germany was found to have:
- dramatically deviated from good manufacturing practices
- failed to disclose research results that some batches of YAZ were not produced according to proper specifications and standards
Upon issuing the most recent YAZ warning, the FDA mandated that Bayer provide the agency with the addresses where the defective shipments were sent. In all, nearly 33,000 boxes of YAZ and more than 122,000 boxes of Ocella were affected (the recalled YAZ shipment has a lot number of 91605A with an expiration date December 2013; the recalled Ocella has lot numbers 84080A and 84081A with an expiration date December 2011).
While YAZ warnings have been publicized for some time, women who took Yasmin, YAZ, or Ocella in the past may still develop serious side effects. If you believe that you or someone you love has been injured as a result of taking Yasmin, YAZ, or Ocella, Eric Chaffin and Roopal Luhana at Chaffin Luhana LLP invite you to receive a thorough evaluation of your case by attending a complimentary initial consultation.
Mr. Chaffin and Ms. Luhana are at the forefront of the Yasmin, YAZ, and Ocella litigation. They are recognized nationwide for their expertise in handling Yasmin, YAZ and Ocella lawsuits. Mr. Chaffin is highly respected for his work in several mass tort cases, and Ms. Luhana is one of only two women to be judicially appointed to the Plaintiff Steering Committee in the In re Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation.
At Chaffin Luhana LLP, our defective drug lawyers are committed to putting our clients’ needs first. We provide top-of-the-line legal services from a New York City law firm. So, no matter where you live, you can recover the settlement award you deserve and move on with their life.
If you or a loved one have used Yasmin, YAZ, or Ocella and suffered from any side effect including blood clots, Gallbladder Disease, stroke, and/or heart attack you should contact us immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
