Pulmonary embolism is characterized by a blood clot that has dislodged in a artery and traveled to the lungs. The resulting blockage that occurs is then responsible for a number of severe, life-threatening complications. Injuries that arise from a pulmonary embolism are responsible for an estimated 100,000 deaths each year in America. However, outside factors may contribute to the already staggering statistics. More specifically, women who take Beyaz (generic: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol and levomefolate) may significantly increase their risk of developing a pulmonary embolism.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after taking Beyaz, 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.
Beyaz Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Overview
As one of Bayer’s newest prescription contraceptives, Beyaz has already established itself as one of the most popular birth control pills on the U.S. market. Since gaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2010, millions of women have used Beyaz in the prevention of pregnancy. However, Beyaz is also indicated to assist in the treatment of moderate acne and PMDD in women over 14.
Beyaz contains a combination of drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate. Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Levomefolate is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods. Levomefolate helps prevent a rare birth defect that could occur in a baby if the pregnancy occurs while taking birth control pills or shortly after stopping them.
Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that the introduction of drospirenone may coincide with dangerous side effects. In response to the influx of complaints, officials at the FDA convened an Advisory Committee, in which the safety an efficacy of drospirenone-containing products was discussed. According to the data acknowledged in the meeting, drospirenone has a propensity to raise potassium levels too much. Such an increase may result in the unnecessary development of severe blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If by chance a blood clot should form in an artery leading to the lungs, patients may be at risk of suffering a pulmonary embolism. If the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, severe complications will ensue.
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism is characterized by a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. Often times, severe blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis dislodge themselves and flow to the lungs. Once the obstruction arrives at the lungs, it causes a blockage. The inhibition of the blood flow through the lungs and the resultant pressure on the right ventricle of the heart leads to the following complications:
- Hyperkalemia
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)
- Heart attack
- Myocardial infraction
- Gallbladder complications
- 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 pulmonary embolism.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of severe, life-threatening complications:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Beyaz Pulmonary Embolism 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 Beyaz pulmonary embolism lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after taking Beyaz, 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.