Yasmin Blood Clots Risks and Compensation

Friday, February 17th, 2012 at 2:57 pm

The risks of Yasmin blood clots are higher than the risk of blood clots from other oral contraceptives. Yasmin is also associated with the risk of other adverse side effects. It is thought that makers of Yasmin may have under reported the risk of side effects during the required FDA clinical trials. Subsequent clinical studies have revealed that the risks are substantially higher than originally indicated.

What Causes Yasmin Blood Clots?

Yasmin was developed in an attempt to eliminate the unpleasant side effects of acne and excessive hair growth experienced by women using 2nd generation oral contraceptives. Like earlier oral contraceptives, Yasmin uses a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin, but the synthetic progestin has a different chemical composition than that used in other oral contraceptives. It is believed that this synthetic progestin may be responsible for causing the increased risk of blood clots. A Canadian study suggested the risk of Yasmin blood clots is three percent higher than those of other contraceptives.

What Are the Injuries Related to Blood Clots?

Blood clots most often form in veins in the legs or pelvic region, but they can break off and form emboli that travel through the blood stream to vital organs like the lungs, heart and brain. When emboli block an artery, it cuts off the oxygen supply to the tissue, causing it to die. The most serious injuries associated with blood clots are pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. There have also been reports of blood clots in the blood vessels of the eyes. These injuries can lead to permanent disability or death.

Does Yasmin Have Other Adverse Side Effects ?

In addition to blood clots, the drug is associated with an increase in gallbladder disease. The synthetic progestin drospirenone is known to increase the level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is a mineral that is necessary for the control of muscles, including the heart. Too much potassium, a condition called hyperkalemia, can result in fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat and death. Yasmin may also be a factor in an increased risk for kidney and liver disease, including liver cancer. Drospirenone is believed to be responsible for higher blood clots risks.

Why Is Yasmin Still Being Prescribed ?

The FDA has required that Yasmin carry a black box warning on their packaging that tells users of the adverse side effects they may experience while using Yasmin. This is the strongest action open to the FDA short of a drug recall. Recent FDA studies published in December 2011 indicated the risk of Yasmin blood clots is 74 percent higher than risks from 2nd generation oral contraceptives, and the reproductive and drug safety advisory panels voted that Yasmin adverse side effects outweighed any possible benefits. Women can request that their doctors prescribe 2nd generation oral contraceptives as an alternative to Yasmin.

Getting Compensation

Anyone who has suffered injury resulting from a known side effect of Yasmin can file legal action against the makers of the drug. There are currently hundreds of Yasmin lawsuits pending in United States federal and state courts. Most of the lawsuits are for injury or wrongful death resulting from blood clots, but claims for other medical conditions including gallbladder disease are among the many pending lawsuits. A lawyer with experiencing in handling complex product liability litigation can help women suffering from the effects of blood clots get monetary compensation.

If you have suffered injuries from adverse side effects associated with the use of Yasmin, you can get a free compensation evaluation here on our website. Simply complete the short form and legal professionals will provide an evaluation of your case at no cost to you.