A stroke is the direct result of an insufficient blood flow to the brain. The subsequent lack of nutrients may result in brain tissue damage and possibly death. As the third leading cause of death in the United States, strokes account for approximately 140,000 fatalities a year. However, the introduction of Yaz may contribute to the rate in which strokes develop. Women who receive Yaz treatment may significantly increase their risk of suffering from a stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after taking Yaz, 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.
Yaz Stroke Lawsuit Overview
Prior to being released by Bayer Healthcare, Yaz was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since being released into the U.S. market, on March 16, 2006, Yaz has been approved as an oral contraceptive that assists in the prevention of pregnancy. In its six years on the market, Yaz has demonstrated a 99% success rate when taken as directed. Yaz is also indicated in the treatment of moderate to severe acne as well as symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
As a fourth generation contraceptive, Yaz utilizes an active ingredient known as drospirenone. Drospirenone is a progestin that has the inherent ability to alter the conditions in the cervical and uterine lining, therefore preventing the ovulation process in women. By suppressing what are known as gonadotropins, drospirenone inhibits ovulation by altering the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation).
Unfortunately, the introduction of Yaz may coincide with catastrophic complications. According to the opinions of those who recently attended an FDA Advisory Committee, Yaz and similar drospirenone-containing contraceptives may heighten potassium levels. Significantly elevated potassium levels may result in the development of severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a DVT or blood clot should develop in an artery leading to the brain, the resulting blockage could cause a stroke or possibly death. 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 Yaz stroke lawsuit.
Stroke
The presence of a blood clot or DVT in an artery leading to the brain may have overwhelming ramifications. The blockage may prevent the brain from receiving the appropriate nutrients, resulting in a stroke. If the brain is deprived from these nutrients and oxygen for too long, brain cells will continue to die at a rapid pace.
An inadequate oxygen supply to the brain may result in one of two kinds of strokes. The first of which is known as an ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessels that supply blood to the brain are blocked by a clot. Ischemic strokes may also be caused by clogged arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances collect on the artery walls, forming a sticky substance called plaque. If enough plaque builds up, blood flow may be significantly impeded.
A hemorrhagic stroke, otherwise synonymous with a brain aneurysm, occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. The obstacle provided by the burst vessel proves insufficient in facilitating the entire brain with oxygenated blood.
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. Complications of a stroke may include:
- 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 blood clot in an artery leading to the brain may result in a stroke.
Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of stroke:
- Yasmin
- Beyaz
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Yaz 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 Yaz 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 Yaz, 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.