Yaz is a daily birth control pill that contains a combination of two hormones, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Yaz is approved to prevent pregnancy in women of childbearing age. The ingredients in Yaz may also be found under the brand names Ocella and Yasmin.

YAZ Warnings

Yaz was approved for use in 2001. Since April, 2010, and as recently as March, 2011, Yaz has been the subject of a number of medical concerns. Previous advertisements stated that Yaz increased the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks in some women; however, it is now believed these risks were understated while potential benefits were overstated. As revealed by the FDA’s Yaz warning, the alleged risk of thromboembolic disorders is greater than previously believed; that is, the risk of embolism (blood clot or fat clot) in the lungs or lower extremities is markedly increased in women who use Yaz compared with women who do not. The Yaz warning further explained that the risk is even greater if the patient is over 35, smokes tobacco, or has a history of blood clots or stroke risks. Additionally, it has been discovered that women who are diabetic or pre-diabetic and are taking Yaz may be at an increased risk of glucose intolerance. Women with a family history or documented case of hypertriglyceridemia face a higher risk of pancreatitis when taking Yaz.

Exaggerated YAZ Uses

Bayer’s advertisements previously indicated Yaz was useful for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. However, it can be difficult to discern the difference between common premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD. The symptoms listed for PMDD in many commercials were the same sort of symptoms women may experience with common PMS. The difference between PMS and PMDD is often based upon the severity of specific symptoms, and can only be determined by a patient and her physician. According to the FDA’s Yaz warning, Yaz advertisements did not thoroughly explain the difference in symptom severity. As a result, Yaz may have been used to treat PMS unnecessarily, with little success. In addition to PMDD claims, Yaz advertisements claimed its ability to prevent or treat acne, with inadequate specificity to the severity of acne treatable. Women with more severe forms of acne may have taken Yaz in hope of treating their conditions, though Yaz was only shown to treat acne of a mild to moderate nature.

Getting Help with YAZ

The FDA’s Yaz warning may have come too late. If you are taking or have taken Yaz and have experienced a thromboembolic event, a blood clot in your lower extremities or your lungs, heart attack, stroke or gallbladder disease you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses incurred. Contact our office for further information about your Yaz case today.