Often times, blood clots prohibit arteries from transporting oxygenated blood to the brain. The resulting blockage, therefore, prevents the appropriate nutrients from supplying the brain with what it needs to survive. After a short period of time, brain cells become damaged and begin to die. While strokes are already responsible for approximately 100,000 deaths each year in the United States, certain outside factors may increase those numbers. More specifically, women who use Yasmin (generic: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) may increase their risk of suffering from a potentially fatal stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after taking Yasmin, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Yasmin Stroke Lawsuit Overview
Yasmin received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the prevention of pregnancy. However, other indications acknowledged on Yasmin packaging suggests that the oral contraceptive may reduce the presence of moderate acne and symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). After receiving approval from the FDA, Yasmin hit store shelves on May 11, 2001 touting the Bayer logo.
Drospirenone, one of the active ingredients contained in Yasmin, belongs to a group of drugs known as progestins. Drospirenone, dubbed by the healthcare community as a fourth generation contraceptive, is capable of preventing ovulation in those who choose to. In doing so, drospirenone alters conditions in the cervical and uterine lining by suppressing gonadotropin. The resulting conditions make it more difficult for a sperm to reach the uterus and attempt conception. Similar to that of drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol assists in making the conditions of the uterus inhospitable to sperm.
While Yasmin has served as an effective form of birth control for approximately 11 years, recent reports suggest that the fourth generation contraceptive may coincide with catastrophic complications. These problems were brought to light after the FDA received an influx of adverse reports associated with blood clots. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee, the reported blood clots may be do to the increase in potassium levels resulting from drospirenone use. If the elevated potassium levels cause a blood clot to form in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke may be imminent. Due to the severe nature of these clots, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Yasmin stroke lawsuit.
Yasmin Stroke
Rightfully classified as a medical emergency, a stroke is directly correlated to inhibition of blood flow to the brain. A large enough obstruction may prohibit nutrients and oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in a stroke. If a clot succeeds in prohibiting this flow of blood for a prolonged period of time, the lack of nutrients will result in the death of brain cells or permanent damage.
Strokes may result in both temporary and permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain was without oxygen and how many subsequent brain cells were lost. The longer the brain is deprived of such nutrients, the more damaging the stroke will be. Regardless of how long the brain is without a proper blood supply, the following complications may ensue:
- Paralysis
- Loss of muscle movement
- Difficulty talking
- Memory loss
- Severe pain
- Changes in behavior
- Death
FDA Safety Communication
According to an FDA Safety Communication, the agency is aware of two newly published studies that evaluated the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women who use birth control pills that contain drospirenone. The two recently published studies looked at whether there is a higher risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing the progestin drospirenone when compared to similar women taking birth control pills containing a different progestin called levonorgestrel. These two new studies reported that there is a greater risk of VTE associated with birth control pills that contain drospirenone. Unfortunately, the presence of a severe VTE may lead to the development of several life-threatening complications, one of which is a stroke.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of a stroke:
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Yasmin Stroke Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Yasmin stroke lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after taking Yasmin, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.