Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella

What is Yaz?

If you or a loved one have taken the birth control pill Yaz, either now or in the past, you may have a Yaz claim against the drug manufacturer Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical. Contact us today for more information.

Yaz is used as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Yaz is also prescribed to treat moderate acne in women and girls who are at least 14 years old. Yaz is also used to treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) such as anxiety, depression, irritability, headache and weight gain.

This birth control pill is a combination of two different hormones, estrogen (sthinyl estradiol) and progestin (drospirenone). It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs and changes the lining of the cervix and uterus which helps prevent sperm from reaching the egg and the egg from attaching to the cervix.

Yaz was originally developed and produced by the German company Berlex Laboratories. Shortly after the release of Yaz in 2006, Berlex was purchased by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical. The purchase was very profitable for Bayer. It has been reported that in 2008, the birth control drug, Yaz was the best selling oral contraception pill in the United States with sales around $616 million.

Yaz and the FDA

Shortly after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yaz for use as an oral contraceptive, they also approved its use for moderate acne and PMDD. However, Bayer soon ran into trouble with the FDA because of two television commercials.
Using the slogan: “Beyond Birth Control”, Bayer targeted their ads primarily at women in the 20’s. In one of the television ads, young, fashionly dress women kicked or punctured signs with labels describing symptoms such as “irritablilty” and “feeling anxious”. The song “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by the group Twisted Sister played while a voiceover described Yaz as a “pill that goes beyond the rest”.

Potential YAZ Lawsuit Deadline Fast Approaching

Houston, TX May 8, 2013 – If you were injured as a result of taking Yaz, May 30, 2013 might be the latest opportunity for you to have your case filed.  Although the Yaz settlement conferences are ongoing, certain time limitations can impact the ability to pursue new cases. The FDA ordered a warning on the drug on May 30, 2011 to make consumers aware of the increased risks associated with Yaz. That warning could potentially provide a statute of limitations date for Yaz cases involving injury that occurred on or before May 30, 2011.

If you suffered from a blood clot or stroke on or before May 30, 2011, your case needs to be filed immediately to ensure that you are included in the Yaz litigation for potential compensation.  Any cases involving injury that occurred before that date, must be filed prior to the two year statute date of that warning. Once a statute has run, you are forever barred from filing suit.

Yaz is considered a “fourth generation” birth control pill that contains a synthetic progestin, drospirenone. This hormone puts people at a higher risk of developing blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Yaz has been linked to a variety of serious side effects including:

• Blood clots in the legs (DVT)

• Blood clots in the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism)

• Stroke

• Heart attack

• Gall bladder disease

• Pancreatitis

If you or a loved one were injured by Yaz, or its generic equivalent, there is still time to submit your claim for compensation. Yaz cases are settling now so time is running out to be included. If you were taking any of these oral birth controls and had a blood clot or stroke, contact an attorney immediately for your free case evaluation.