Yasmin Side Effects Puts Women Over 35 Who Smoke At Greater Risk
For women who may have been harmed by contraceptives that include the synthetic hormone drospirenone, a Yasmin birth control lawyer could be their best chance at receiving financial compensation for their suffering. A number of lawsuits have already been filed against manufacturers, alleging inadequate warnings and misleading advertising. Ocella is the generic version of the popular oral contraceptive known as Yasmin. A newer, lower-dose version called YAZ has also been aggressively marketed, and these all became worldwide bestsellers. This was largely due to what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eventually criticized as a deceiving marketing campaign that included false promises while failing to include information about potential severe adverse effects. As it turned out, the ads’ claims of additional positive benefits such as clearer skin and less severe premenstrual syndrome were likely exaggerated. Though YAZ may be used to treat the mild form of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne, it is ineffective against more serious premenstrual syndrome or mild acne as the company had once promised. The ads also failed to disclose the troubling Yasmin side effects. The component that these products share is drospirenone, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin that is not included in any other contraceptive approved in the United States. According to the British Medical Journal, the hormone could as much as double the risk of blood clots among women taking the drugs. It has been known to cause increased potassium levels that result in a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in turn disrupts heart rhythms. When blood traveling to the heart slows, the chance of clots increases. A pulmonary embolism or stoke may occur if one of these breaks off and travels to the lungs or brain. Over 50 related deaths have been reported to the FDA, in patients as young as 17 years old. These were associated with conditions such as: • Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cardiac arrest
• Intracardiac thrombus
• Pulmonary embolism
• Stroke Anyone considering Ocella or its name-brand counterparts should review the risks with a doctor. Medical experts also recommend that women with any of the following conditions should not use these drugs: • Pregnancy
• History of stroke or clots
• Circulation problems
• Heart valve disorder
• Breast or uterine cancer
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Kidney or liver disease
• Adrenal gland disorder
• Severe high blood pressure
• Migraine headaches
• History of jaundice Doctors also note that women should not smoke while using these drugs, particularly those older than 35, as smoking can increase the risk of some types of clotting. The following are more common symptoms reported with use of these drugs: • Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Problems with contact lenses
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Changes in menstrual periods However, anyone taking the medication should contact a doctor immediately upon noticing any of these signs: • Sudden numbness or weakness
• Chest pain
• Change in severity of migraine headaches
• Stomach pain
• Jaundice
• Breast lump
• Symptoms of depression Victims of health problems that were potentially related to one of these medications have already begun filing product liability lawsuits, alleging potentially defective drugs, or claims involving false advertising. Anyone experiencing the symptoms or conditions outlined above should consider seeking legal help, and the LegalTube directory will help you find the right practice for your needs.
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