Yasmin® and YAZ® and Ocella® are oral contraceptives (birth control pills) manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. The generic brand of Yasmin® is called Ocella®, which is marketed and distributed by Barr Laboratories, Inc. ( a wholly owned subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.). While there have been health risks associated with birth control pills throughout the years, YAZ®, Yasmin®, and Ocella® are the only birth control pills that contain drospirenone (DRSP), a synthetic progestin classified as a "fourth generation" progestin. DRSP is known to cause a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia (elevation in blood potassium levels). Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms yet can lead to life-threatening heart problems or even death. The conditions that can develop as a result of DRSP-induced hyperkalemia :
- Blood Clots
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Stroke
- Cerebrovascular Accidents
- Heart Attack
- Myocardial Infarction
- Death
There have been over 50 consumer deaths reported to the FDA in users of these dangerous birth control medications.
YAZ® False/Misleading Television Advertisments
In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Bayer regarding deceptive advertisements for YAZ®. In the warning letter, the FDA stated that Bayer's advertising campaigns used images and music to distract viewers from information on potential side effects from the drug. According to the FDA, two television commercials, "Not Gonna Take It" and "Balloons," overstate the efficacy of YAZ®, minimize its risks and broaden the drug's indication by falsely suggesting that the medication has been approved for treating pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). In an agreement with the FDA and attorneys general from 27 states, Bayer agreed to drop the misleading advertisements and run a new campaign to educate the public about the health risks of these dangerous drugs.
If you or someone you love were injured after using YAZ®, Yasmin® or Ocella®, you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call 1-850-444-9500 to discuss your rights with one of the experienced product liability attorneys at our firm.