Yaz/Yasmin and Ocella

Little Rock, Arkansas

If you or a loved one has suffered serious heart, lung, or liver damage as a result of taking birth control pills Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella, you may be entitled to compensation. The Duncan Firm, P.A. is investigating cases of women who are otherwise healthy but have suddenly suffered serious side effects of these birth control pills. Yaz and Yasmin are produced by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ocella is a generic alternative, manufactured by Barr Pharmaceuticals. All three contain a unique synthetic hormone, drospirenone, that has been shown in many studies to carry more risk of blood clots and other dangerous side effects than alternative hormones.

If you or a loved one has been hurt by the pharmaceutical drugs Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella, please call us at 1-877-638-6226 or use our online form to request a free consultation.

Injuries Caused by Yaz/Yasmin and Ocella

Since 2002, users of Yaz and Yasmin have experienced an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, resulting in serious injury or even death. This risk has been confirmed by numerous studies, including a retrospective study that covers over 33 million woman-years and was published in this year's British Medical Journal. Ocella contains the same active ingredients and may result in similar risks. Serious side effects associated with these birth control pills include:

• Heart attacks
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Gall bladder disease
• Disabling injuries

Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella are different from other birth control pills. Like many birth control pills, they use two different hormones, a progestin and an estrogen. The progestin used, drospirenone, is unique, and so are its effects. Yaz is approved not only for contraception, but also for treatment of moderate acne and Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Although drospirenone does have some benefits, it is difficult to say whether they merit the increased risks of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella.

Overpromotion by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals

The danger posed by Yaz has been increased by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals' overpromotion of the drug. In October 2008, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals that two of their television ads for Yaz contained untrue or misleading information. Bayer was accused in a letter of marketing Yaz for PMS, a condition it had never been tested or approved to treat.

In addition, the letter stated that the TV ads understated the serious risks associated with the use of Yaz, a potentially deadly drug.

Since their approval, the FDA has received reports of more than 50 deaths associated with the consumption of Yaz and Yasmin, and studies show that drospirenone may carry up to twice the risk of some other hormones used in birth control pills. Many of those who suffered dangerous side effects had no other risk factors, were young and in good health, and had been taking the contraceptive for as little as a few weeks.

For additional information, please see Questions About Defective Products.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects as a result of taking Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella, we have lawyers with extensive experience in complex litigation ready to help. Please call us at 1-877-638-6226 or fill out our free online consultation form.