Arizona Woman Sues Bayer for Yaz Blood Clots

Arizona plaintiff Ashley Padron is suing Bayer Pharmaceuticals for the injuries she allegedly sustained from their line of oral contraceptives known as Yaz/Yasmin and Ocella. Padron says she developed blood clots from the pills, which could have led to fatal consequences.

Padron initially was prescribed the birth control pills because of their praised efficiency, but soon found out at a medical exam sometime later that she had developed blood clots. Upon further investigation, it was revealed to her that blood clots are a side effect of Yaz/Yasmin and Ocella, and she stopped the medication.

Padron is suing Bayer because she states the company knew or should have known about the possible Yaz side effects she would suffer. She is suing Bayer for negligence, false advertising, and concealing information, and for allegedly manufacturing, selling, distributing, and marketing a dangerous product.

Overview of Yasmin/Yaz Blood Clot Problems

Yaz and Yasmin are both birth control pills that are manufactured by Bayer, and are the only oral contraceptives in the U.S. that contain a newly formed progestin called drospirenone. Yaz and Yasmin were approved by the FDA in 2006 and 2001, respectively. 

While many find success in these contraceptives, there has been mass criticism from legal and medical experts that Bayer negligently marketed the birth control pills due to the fact that drospirenone is still fairly new in the scientific community and its side effects were not clearly known. Bayer has admitted that they are not an entirely clear as to how their contraceptives even work, according to the Yaz lawsuit.

Drospirenone is a newly formed progestin and is the main component in Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, with Yasmin containing a slightly higher dosage. While Bayer boasts about how their contraceptives are exclusive with this component, it is also what has caused Bayer to gain the aforementioned criticism mentioned. Since there is so little scientific information regarding drospirenone side effects, its effects on the body are not entirely certain, and therefore, should not be advertised as safe and efficient, according to legal experts.

A determined side effect of drospirenone is that it acts as a diuretic, which can increase potassium levels in the blood. This can lead to hyperkalemia, which is a condition where the blood slows down. The slow of blood flow can cause heart arrhythmia, blood clots, and other health complications. Many medical experts believe that it is the drospirenone in Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella that has caused the health complications in patients.

While no definite conclusions have been made, there have been numerous studies conducted to support that theory. For example, the British Medical Journal published a report in April 2002 detailing a study conducted at the Dutch College of General Practices that compared different generations of progestin, that 40 cases of venous thrombosis among women taking Yasmin. Additionally, in less than a five-year period, through 2004 to 2008, over 50 death reports were submitted to the FDA, allegedly caused by Yaz or Yasmin.

Bayer has been harshly criticized for aggressively advertising Yaz and Yasmin by overstating their benefits, and not adequately explaining the risks. It became so bad that by July 10, 2003, the FDA had sent several advertisement citations to the company, telling them to adequately explain the possible side effects of drospirenone, and not to call Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella superior to other oral contraceptives. 

For these violations, Bayer agreed to spend at least $20 million on corrective TV advertisements, and to submit all Yaz and Yasmin advertisements to the FDA for approval before airing them, for the next six years.

Yaz/Yasmin & Ocella Lawsuits Grow

While the FDA’s citations are helpful, it does not change the fact that current warnings for Yaz and Yasmin are inadequate, and that thousands of women are being put at risk for blood clot injuries. Currently, Padron’s case is a part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Bayer that has centralized hundreds of lawsuits alleging that their birth control pills caused plaintiffs severe health complications.

The Yaz/Yasmin MDL is In re: Yasmin and Yaz (Drospirenone) Marketing, Sales Practices and Relevant Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2100, in the United States District Court of Southern Illinois. 

File a Yaz Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Yaz blood clot, you have legal options. Please visit the Yaz and Yasmin Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Yaz lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The Yaz lawyers working this investigation do not get paid until you do.