Patent Issue for Generic Yaz Resolved Amidst Blood Clot Lawsuits

The decision was made after a Nevada court denied the patent for Yaz, even though it was determined that it would not expire until June 2014. Recently sales of the popular birth control prescription have fallen due to the publicity surrounding its known blood clot side effects. Currently, there are dozens of Yaz blood clot lawsuits that have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

Bayer has already agreed to settle thousands of Yaz and Yasmin injury lawsuits in excess of $400 million.

Yaz Side Effects Result in Higher Risk of Blood Clots

In 2006, Yaz was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription drug for birth control. Since its release, thousands of women using the oral contraceptive have filed complaints alleging that the manufacturer failed to warn the public of its serious side effects.

Some of the serious side effects of Yaz reported by its users include blood clots, strokes, deep vein thrombosis and other blood clot injuries such as stroke and heart attack.

An updated warning label was issued in 2012 to include a heightened risk for blood clots. As recent as April 2013, the FDA issued a safety communication making its users aware of the three-fold risk of blood clots associated with using Yaz.

Two More Women Come Forward Alleging Yaz DVT

Despite making the headlines and settling thousands of lawsuits to avoid exposure, Bayer still says that it is evaluating options going forward.  

On April 2, 2013, two women — Jessica Carlton and Tar McLaney — filed a lawsuit against Bayer, accusing it of marketing an unsafe product. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages, as well as compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.

Both of the plaintiffs suffered from deep vein thrombosis, which has been linked to usage of Yaz.  

Bayer Accused of Fraud and Misrepresentation

Another Yaz lawsuit involving five women alleges that the manufacturer is guilty of fraud, misrepresentation and failure to properly warn the public of the risks associated with its use. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Studies as far back as 2002 revealed that the drugs Yaz and Yasmin produced a higher risk for developing blood clots, and doctors recommended that alternative medications be used for birth control after 40 cases of Yasmin/Yaz blood clots had been reported.

Pending litigations could end up costing Bayer more than $1 billion.  

Yaz Side Effects Eligible for Legal Compensation

With hundreds of Yaz lawsuits upcoming, any woman who has experiencing Yaz side effects such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism should explore their legal options.

More information can be found on our Yaz/Yasmin, Beyaz & Ocella Birth Control Pill Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation page. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, time off of work and punitive damages, amongst others.