Treating Anemia with Birth Control Could Carry Unwanted Side Effects
By John Curran
Many women use the Pill as a way of delaying starting a family for any number of reasons. However, gynecologists have also prescribed the Pill to women for issues other than birth control, including for the treatment of heavy periods that can lead to anemia and other issues. Despite their attempts to prevent anemia, side effects from certain birth control pills could push the needle too far in the other direction.
Dr. Sonia Nagda noted in a recent talk that dysmenorrhea, as the condition is known, can be controlled by birth control medications. While the ability to regulate menstrual cycles is important, there are dozens of options available on the market. She did not cite the fact that some birth control pills are linked to dangerous blood clots and have been the subject of more than 10,000 lawsuits. Research indicates that dual-hormone pills like Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Ocella have a much higher rate of blood clot side effects than other birth control pills.
That is important because there is no data indicating that newer medications are any more likely to reduce pregnancies than options that are now generic. In addition, while contraceptives that cause Yasmin deep vein thrombosis were marketed as a medication that would limit weight gain and acne, this is not always the case.
Unfortunately, dysmenorrhea is not just a painful condition for many women. It can also lead to disorders like endometriosis as well as the aforementioned anemia due to iron loss. While gynecologists should certainly consider medications if there are no other causes of these symptoms, treating dysmenorrhea with drugs linked to dangerous side effects should be avoided if possible.
Consider that in France, the equivalent of the FDA is trying to come as close as possible to banning Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella and related medications. The agency says that with dozens of alternatives, Yasmin deep vein thrombosis side effects are not worth the perceived benefits.
The FDA, however, disagrees and it has only been in recent years that they forced drug maker Bayer Pharmaceuticals to update the labeling on these contraceptives. Legal remedies may be available, and a free consultation on one’s eligibility is available at the Yaz/Yasmin, Beyaz & Ocella Birth Control Pill Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. The company is currently settling with thousands of plaintiffs, so get started now to obtain the legal remedy your potential case merits.
Updated March 20th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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