Up to 190 American Women Have Died from Taking Yaz Birth Control
By Jessica Tyner
Yaz birth control is strongly linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious blood clot that can be lethal if not caught right away. According to some reports, up to 190 American women have died from taking the popular birth control pill, which has only been available in the U.S. since 2006. These ghastly numbers have led some critics to say that Bayer finds profits more important than the health of patients.
Yasmin, an earlier version of Yaz, became extremely popular as an oral contraception because it doesn’t release as many hormones as other options. A slew of women opted for the birth control pill, but weren’t adequately warned about the risks. DVT and other blood clots can be deadly, and unfortunately some women don’t experience any warning signs at all. Blood clots are tricky to notice, and can be exacerbated in a number of ways. For women taking Yasmin, it’s important to keep an eye out for a few DVT symptoms.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT is most often found in the legs, but it can occur anywhere in the body. It becomes lethal when the clot moves into the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. In the U.S., over 250,000 people every year are hospitalized for DVT, but this of course doesn’t include victims who go undiagnosed. The most common symptoms include warmth, swelling and pain. Blood thinners are often prescribed to treat minor DVT, but hospitalization and stronger drugs are required when the situation is life-threatening.
If a woman is taking Yasmin or Yaz, she’s automatically at a higher risk for DVT. Surgery is sometimes required to remove large clots, and filters may be inserted to prevent more clots from forming and heading to the lungs. There’s an increase in victims of DVT if they take long-haul flights or are sedentary for long periods of time, such as being bed-ridden for an unrelated issue. Women prescribed Yasmin should take their lifestyle into account.
Numerous DVT Treatments are Often Useless
While there are many treatments for DVT, that help is useless for many victims because the symptoms of DVT are so minor that some people don’t seek the help they need. Pain, swelling, and skin that’s warm to the touch isn’t considered an urgent issue by many women. In some Yasmin victims, these symptoms are so minor that they’re a mere nuisance.
A number of Yasmin class action lawsuits are picking up steam because plaintiffs claim Bayer doesn’t properly warn patients about the Yaz risks. While women may be prone to choosing a pill with fewer hormones, they should still know all of the potential side effects.
Did You Take Yaz or Yasmin?
If you were every diagnosed with DVT or other blood clots while taking Yaz, you may have a Yasmin legal claim. There are other women just like you, and a class action lawsuit might be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Hospitalization, ongoing care and surgery are expensive, but help is available.
Discover more about your rights at the Yaz/Yasmin, Beyaz & Ocella Birth Control Pill Class Action Lawsuit Settlement & Investigation. While there, submit your information for a free legal review from an experienced Yaz injury attorney. If you have a case, you will be guided through the legal process at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Updated May 16th, 2013
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