Hormonal contraceptives like Yasmin and Yaz birth control pills have been linked to numerous serious side effects, including an increased risk of developing Pseudotumor Cerebri, also known as PTC. PTC is a condition that causes neurological issues and can mimic the effects of a brain tumor.

What are Yaz and Yasmin?

Yasmin is a hormonal birth control pill sold by Bayer 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).

Yaz is a birth control pill that also contains a combination of the hormones ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and drospirenone (progestin). It, like Yasmin, is manufactured by Bayer and has been on the market in the United States since 2006.

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri is a severe neurological disorder that has been linked to the use of hormone-containing birth control products. Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when pressure builds up inside the skull, producing symptoms similar to a large brain tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri literally means “false brain tumor.” The condition is typically accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Headaches: Birth control headaches are one of the most common symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri.
• Vision loss: Progressive and permanent vision problems may include blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), temporary blindness, blind spots, and blindness.
• Papilloedema: A condition that causes a swollen optic nerve due to increased pressure on the optic nerve inside the skull.
• Hearing problems: Tinnitus may cause ringing in the ears, “whooshing” noise, etc.

Pseudotumor cerebri is rare, affecting only about 3.3 women per 100,000 in the reproductive years (15-44 years old). It may need to be treated with surgery or spinal taps to drain excess fluid from the skull.

Pseudotumor cerebri may also be referred to as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or benign intracranial hypertension (BIH).

Birth Control Pills and Pseudotumor Cerebri

Certain medications, including hormonal birth control products like Yaz and Yasmin, have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri. One hormone in particular, a second-generation synthetic progestin called levonorgestrel, was linked to PTC in 1995.

While no one knows the causes of pseudotumor cerebri, the National Institute of Health (NIH) warns that certain birth control pills, like Yaz and Yasmin, are a risk factor. In 1995, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study linking pseudotumor cerebri with birth control pills and contraceptive implants containing the hormone levonorgestrel.

Birth Control Pill Lawsuits

Pseudotumor cerebri is a serious condition that can have long-term effects. A pseudotumor cerebri birth control lawsuit can help seek and obtain compensation for present and future damages, including medical bills and the pain and suffering associated with pseudotumor cerebri caused by using Yasmin or Yaz birth control.