Gianvi (generic: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a fourth generation oral contraceptive that contains drospirenone as an active ingredient as opposed to previous generations that contained levonorgestrel. The inclusion of drospirenone assists in the prevention of pregnancy in women who use Gianvi on a regular basis. However, recent studies suggest that the use of drospirenone-containing contraceptives may coincide with adverse cardiac events. Women who take Gianvi may significantly increase their risk of suffering from a heart attack.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack or other adverse cardiac event after taking Gianvi, 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.
Gianvi Heart Attack Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Teva, the worlds largest manufacturer of generic medicines, Gianvi was introduced into interstate commerce approximately two years ago in 2010. Gianvi is a dual action birth control pill that combines drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Each of which have distinct mechanisms for assisting in the prevention of pregnancy. However, these mechanisms of action are also indicated for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne flair-ups.
Gianvi is what many consider to be a fourth generation contraception because of the active ingredient found within it. Drospirenone, unique to fourth generation contraception medications including Loryna, Beyaz, Yaz, Yasmin Ocella and now Gianvi, is a progestin with the ability to prevent the ovulation process in women by altering conditions in the cervical and uterine lining. Combination oral contraceptives (COCs) such as these act by suppressing gonadotropins. Although the primary mechanism of this action is the inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation). As a result, these altered conditions make it more difficult for any sperm to reach the uterus. Therefore serving as an affective form of birth control.
Unfortunately, the pharmacodynamics of Gianvi that make such conditions possible, may also be associated with severe complications. Recent studies suggest that drospirenone may be responsible for increased potassium levels in the blood. As a result, these spiked levels may lead to an adverse thrombotic event such as a heart attack. Women who implement a strict regimen of Gianvi may significantly increase their risk of developing a severe, life-threatening heart attack.
Gianvi Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the side effects associated with the use Gianvi:
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Breast discharge
- Calf or leg pain
- Irregular heart beat
- Breathing difficulties
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Hyperkalemia
- Stroke
- Cerebrovascular Accidents
- Death
Heart Attack
Studies suggest that drospirenone may be responsible for a spike in potassium levels. In the event that this happens, the risk of adverse thrombotic events increases significantly.
A heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction) is classified as a thrombotic event and typically occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a coronary artery. Impeded blood flow may result in damaged coronary tissue and a subsequent heart attack if enough tissue is damaged. Unfortunately, heart attacks are unpredictable and may result in fatal circumstances. Signs and symptoms of a Gianvi heart attack may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Upper body pain
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Clammy skin
- Unusual or unexplained fatigue
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. This risk is reported to be up to 2 to 3 times greater than the risk of VTE associated with using levonorgestrel-containing pills.
Do I Have a Gianvi Heart Attack 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 Gianvi heart attack lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack or other adverse cardiac event after taking Gianvi, 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.