Birth control pills including Yasmin have been linked to numerous serious side effects, including an increased risk in developing Pseudotumor Cerebri, also known as PTC.

PTC is a condition that causes neurological issues and can mimic the effects of a brain tumor.

Yasmin is a birth control pill that is sold by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. It has been on the market since 2001. Yasmin was one of the first contraceptives to contain drospirenone,  a new type of synthetic progestin, in addition to ethinyl estradiol (estrogen).

PTC is a condition in which increased cerebrospinal fluid collects inside the skull and exerts additional pressure on the brain. The presence of this extra fluid in the brain causes symptoms that often mimic those caused by the presence of a brain tumor. The condition is also known as “intracranial hypertension” or “false brain tumor.”

Yasmin and Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC)

The National Institutes of Health warns that certain birth control pills, like Yasmin, are risk factors for pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). The hormones in Yasmin increase a woman’s risk of venous and arterial blood clots, which can cause stroke (blood clot in the brain).

In rare cases, cranial blood clots can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid and increase pressure inside the skull. This condition is known as “secondary intracranial hypertension.”

However, no one knows exactly what causes PTC. One hormone, levonorgestrel, was linked to PTC in 1995.

There are a number of serious side effects associated with PTC, including blindness and other serious eye injuries. The presence of increased cerebrospinal fluid puts pressure on the optic nerve, which links the eyes to the brain. This condition is known as papilloedema and can result in blindness.

Damage to the optic nerve is permanent, so correcting PTC will not reverse the damage already done.

Additional Pseudotumor Cerebri symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Tinnitus
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurry, double vision, or blind spots
• Blindness
• Difficulty walking

Additionally, the main symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri are severe, debilitating headaches or migraines. Birth control headaches are expected to occur in about 11% of women on Yasmin, according to data from clinical trials. According to the Prescribing Information for Yasmin, women who have severe headaches should be evaluated by a doctor and discontinue Yasmin if necessary.

FDA Requires Black Box Warning for Yasmin

In 2003, the FDA issued a Warning Letter after finding that ads for Yasmin were “misleading” and “raise significant public health and safety concerns” because they minimize important risk information and imply that Yasmin is superior to other birth control pills.

Then, in 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that the oral contraceptive carry a black box warning about the potential health risks associated with the particular progestin used in Yasmin.

If you or someone you know suffered from Pseudotumor Cerebri while taking Yasmin, a birth control lawsuit may be able to help you obtain compensation for injuries.