Blood clots are a safety mechanism in which the clotting cascade prevents the further displacement of blood in the event of an injury. However, should a blood clot form in unnecessary circumstances, its presence may serve as an obstruction of blood flow. Severe enough clots may prevent the circulation of blood, resulting in life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, treatment with certain drugs may increase the rate in which these unnecessary clots are formed. Women who use Ocella (generic: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) may significantly increase their risk of developing dangerous blood clots and any corresponding complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has developed a blood clot after using Ocella, 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.
Ocella Blood Clot Lawsuit Overview
Ocella was introduced to the U.S. market by Barr Laboratories, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest distributers of generic medications in America. Prior to its 2008 release, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the use of Ocella to assist in the prevention of pregnancy as an oral contraceptive. However, Ocella treatment was also indicated to reduce the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate bouts of acne.
As a fourth generation contraceptive, Ocella 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). When taken as directed, Ocella has shown a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, recent evidence suggests that drospirenone-containing contraceptives like Ocella may result in severe complications. According to studies, the introduction of drospirenone may increase potassium levels beyond that which is safe. These findings were supported by a recent FDA Advisory Committee that concluded such an increase in potassium may lead to the development of dangerous side effects. Of particular concern to the committee, was the increased rate of blood clots that have been witnessed in drospirenone users. The development of an unnecessary blood clot may coincide with several complications, each of which may be life-threatening. Due to the severity of these clots, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Ocella blood clot lawsuit.
Blood Clot
Blood clots, otherwise known as thrombi, are the result of a complex mechanism responsible for healing the body. In the presence of a damaged blood vessel, platelets are recruited from the blood stream to the injured area to form an initial plug. These activated platelets release chemicals that start the clotting cascade, using a series of clotting factors produced by the body. Ultimately, fibrin is formed, the protein that crosslinks with itself to form a mesh that makes up the final blood clot.
When a blood clot is formed as part of a normal repair process of the body, there is little consequence. However, there are times when blood clots form for unexplained reasons, and this can have potentially significant consequences. The presence of a severe blood clot may result in catastrophic complications. Blood clots that prohibit a sufficient amount of blood to be circulated to parts of the body prevent said parts from receiving the appropriate nutrients necessary for survival. Therefore, a blood clot may starve vital organs of oxygen and ultimately lead to severe complications. The following are potential adverse events that may coincide with a blood clot:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Hyperkalemia
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)
- Heart attack
- Myocardial infraction
- Gallbladder complications
- Stroke
- 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 an unnecessary blood clot. If you have taken Ocella and are worried about these complications, you may qualify for an Ocella blood clot lawsuit.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk unnecessary blood clots:
- Yasmin
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have an Ocella Blood Clot 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 Ocella blood clot lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a blood clot after taking Ocella, 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.