About Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella

Get the Facts

Unlike other birth control pills, Yaz is the most popular oral contraceptive in the United States. Unlike other birth control pills, Yaz—along with similar drugs Yasmin and Ocella—is made with drospirenone, a new formula increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and several other life threatening conditions.

In the first half of 2009, more than 10 million prescriptions were dispensed for the birth control pills Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. Yaz and Yasmin alone accounted for nearly 30% of all birth control pills prescribed in the United States in 2008.

An Untested Ingredient

Since 1960, most birth control pills have contained two types of hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Since 2001, some birth control pills have altered this tried-and-true formula by replacing the traditional form of progestin with a new and different synthesis, called drospirenone.

Bayer made big promises with this new ingredient: not only wouldit protect against pregnancy like other birth control pills, it would also decrease acne, bloating and premenstrual depression. Upon releasing first Yasmin and late Yaz, Bayer heralded it as the “one Pill that goes beyond the rest.” The generic version of Yaz, Ocella, was released in 2008 by Teva Pharmaceutical.

Drospirenone presents a different set of health risks than other forms of birth control. It can increase levels of potassium in blood, which can cause hyperkalemia, a condition that can eventually lead to cardiac arrest. Drospirenone has also been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, gall bladder disease and even death. You can read a more complete list of reported side effects here. The Food and Drug Administration has ordered that all three of the drospirenone-based birth control drugs carry a black box warning—the strongest warning the FDA requires.

Recent Clinic Studies

In August 2009, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published two studies showing that drospirenone, more than any other oral contraceptive, puts women at risk for developing serious blood clots. The Journal cited 40 cases of venous thrombosis, a severe kind of blood clot, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old. The Dutch College of General Practitioners recommends that its members prescribe more traditional, non-drospirenone birth control pills rather than Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella.

Between 2004 and 2008, more than 50 deaths linked to Yaz and Yasmin were reported to the FDA. On August 5, 2009 the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer for using low-quality batches of drospirenone from a plant in Germany.

Continued Popularity

Despite Bayer’s numerous run-ins with the FDA, Yaz and Yasmin rank among the most popular contraceptive pill in the United States. The New York Times called them “the go-to drugs for women under the age of 35” and millions of women across America are taking this risky form of contraceptive, many who are unaware of its potentially debilitating side effects.

Meanwhile, Yaz and Yasmin have generated almost $1.8 billion in sales last year. Together with Ocella, the three drugs have already grossed roughly $643 million between January and June of 2009. The profits for Bayer continue to roll in. In October 2009, the company announced that sales of Yaz and Yasmin sales had risen nearly 4.6% over the previous quarter. While millions of women face the risks of the drug company’s recklessness, Bayer reaps the profits.

Do you know someone who takes Yaz Yasmin or Ocella? Be a friend. Give them information they need. Empower their decisions: tell them about the risks of taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella.

If you or someone you know has taken Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella and suffered adverse side effects, contact a doctor immediately. If you feel that you may need legal representation in this matter or are interested in more information on Yaz litigation, please contact us, online or by toll-free phone and an experienced attorney with Seeger Weiss LLP will assist you in evaluating your case concerning Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Oklahoma and California.