Woman Who Suffered Pulmonary Embolism Files Yaz Lawsuit

A Minnesota woman has filed a Yaz birth control lawsuit against Bayer Health Pharmaceuticals after suffering a pulmonary embolism she says was directly caused by the oral contraceptive. 

Plaintiff Jenna Wilson began taking the oral contraceptive Yaz in August 2008 after it was prescribed to her by her physician, and she continued taking Yaz until April 2010. 

On April 25, 2010, Wilson suffered from bilateral pulmonary embolisms and bilateral pleural effusions, according to her lawsuit. Bilateral pulmonary embolisms occur when there are blockages in one or more arteries in both sides of a person’s lungs. Pulmonary embolisms are often caused by blood clots that have formed in another part of the body — usually the veins of the legs — and have traveled to the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms can also be a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the development of a blood clot in the deep of the body, away from the surface. 

A pleural effusion occurs when there is an excess of fluid that accumulates between the thin membrane that lines the surface of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall outside of the lungs. Although this condition is not life threatening, it can make breathing difficult and does require treatment. One of the causes of pleural effusions is a pulmonary embolism. 

Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella are the only birth control pills on the market that contain a fourth-generation progestin called drospirenone. The Yaz lawsuit argues that “since drospirenone is new, there is insufficient data available to support its safe use, particularly compared with second-generation progestins.”

The Yaz lawsuit continues that “a dangerous effect of drospirenone is that is acts as a diuretic, which can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood. The diuretic nature of drospirenone also attributes to blood clot formation elsewhere in the body.”

In 2003, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration began issuing warnings of the potential risks associated with Yaz/Yasmin birth control pills. There appeared to be an increase in blood clots, which can cause strokes, gall bladder problems, pulmonary embolisms and DVT. 

These risks came to light after two studies were released. One was released in April 2002, when the British Medical Journal reported a study showing that Yasmin should no longer be prescribed after 40 cases of venous thrombosis were found among women taking the drospirenone-containing contraceptive. There was another article published in the same journal in February 2003 with more reports, including two deaths allegedly caused by Yasmin. 

Wilson’s Yaz lawsuit claims that the oral contraceptive is unreasonably dangerous to those who use it. As the result of her injuries, she has suffered and will suffer more pain. She has also suffered monetary losses due to her medical costs and the time she spent away from work, according to her complaint. 

Wilson is charging Bayer with defective manufacturing, design defect, inadequate warning, negligence, fraud, breach of warranty, and a violation of the Minnesota Prevention Consumer Fraud Act.

She is asking the court to award her compensatory damages and non-economic damages in excess of $75,000. Wilson is also asking for medical expenses, other economic damages, attorney’s fees, and any other relief the court thinks is appropriate and necessary.

The Yaz lawsuit is Jenna Wilson v. Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Case No. 3:13-cv-20024-DRH-PMF, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota under.

If you or someone you know has had similar injuries as the result of taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella oral contraceptives, legal options are available. Learn more and get a free legal consultation regarding a claim’s eligibility at the Yaz/Yasmin, Ocella & Beyaz Birth Control Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Experienced legal professionals have access to medical experts to assess whether or not these birth control pills may have played a role in the development of your blood clot, stroke, pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, so act now!