YAZ Lawsuits Filed As Side Effects Have Lead To Fatalities
Drospirenone is part of certain hormonal contraceptive formulations. The compound differs from other synthetic progestins in that its pharmacological profile in preclinical studies shows it to be closer to the natural progesterone. It may lead to less water retention and breast tenderness while improving skin appearance (less acne). The drug is taken orally with about 76% bioavailability. Drospirenone is part of certain newer oral contraception products: - Yasmin contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinylestradiol per tablet. It is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect for oral contraception.
- YAZ contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 20 mcg ethinylestradiol per tablet and is given for 24/4 days with the same indications.
Drospirenone has also been formulated in medication to manage menopausal symptoms using 0.5 mg drospirenone and 1 mg estradiol per day by oral application. This medication was introduced in the United States in 2007 as Angeliq. Drospirenone at 3mg can potentially cause hyperkalemia in high-risk patients. The medication is not recommended in patients with hepatic dysfunction, renal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency, or in whom the use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated, such as smokers and patients with a history of DVT, stroke, or other blood clots. Because of the anti-mineralocorticoid effects, care needs to be exercised when other drugs that may increase potassium levels are taken. Such medications include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor agonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and NSAIDs. Drospirenone can also cause the circulation to slow. Slower blood travelling to and from the heart increases the chance of blood clots occurring, and if these break off and move to the lungs or to the brain, a pulmonary embolism or stroke is likely. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, drospirenone could as much as double the risk of blood clots. Anyone taking a drug containing drospirenone should also contact a doctor immediately upon noticing any of the following problems: - Sudden onset numbness or weakness
- Chest pain
- Change in severity of migraine headaches
- Stomach pain or strong discomfort
- Jaundice
- Breast lump
- Symptoms of depression
Lawyers have already filed a number of lawsuits against the pharmaceutical giant Bayer, due to issues surrounding the birth control pill. For women who have taken YAZ or its older, higher-dose counterpart Yasmin, severe adverse effects can be potentially life-threatening. These drugs, despite a very strong and repetitive marketing campaign touting additional positive benefits, may actually do much more harm than good. A prominent lawsuit has also named the drugstore Walgreens as a defendant, alleging that in selling the product, the store recommended that it was safe for use. The plaintiff in that case experienced a blood clot in her lung, as well as an infection surrounding that clot, after purchasing the contraceptives there. Consult the LegalTube directory if you are concerned about ill effects from this medication, or anything else related to the Yasmin pill . An attorney can and will defend your rights.
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