Dangers of contraceptive pills
Serious side effects, including blood clots, strokes and gall bladder problems have been linked to the use of Yaz and its sister medication, Yasmin. These two products are oral contraceptives manufactured by German chemical and pharmaceutical company, Bayer.
The FDA approved Yaz and Yasmin for the following three uses:
Both Yaz and Yasmin are distinguished from other oral contraceptives in that they contain a synthetic hormone, drospirenone (a new progestin) and are termed “newer-generation” birth control pills.
Side effects from using these products include:
Lawsuits
Various Yaz and Yasmin users have filed claims against Bayer claiming that the manufacturer should have known about the risks associated with the drug and failed to warn women.
By September 2013, it was reported that $1.4 billion had been paid out by Bayer to settle nearly 7000 lawsuits relating to blood clots. Another $24 million was set aside for over 8000 gallbladder disease claims.
Over 50 deaths have been reported (between 2004 and 2008) relating to the use of Yaz/Yasmin, according to a lawsuit filed in July 2009.