As a fourth generation oral contraceptive, Gianvi (generic: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is intended to assist in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. However, the introduction of drospirenone-containing products may place certain high-risk patients in ganger of experiencing severe adverse health events. Women who take this form of birth control may significantly increase their risk of suffering from what many are calling a Gianvi stroke. Due to the contraceptives association with severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the risk of suffering a stroke may be amplified in some patients.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke 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 Stroke Lawsuit Overview
As the worlds largest developer of generic medications, Teva began marketing and distributing Gianvi in 2010. Haven been on the market for approximately two years, Gianvi has demonstrated a propensity for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Through a unique mechanism of action and a strict regimen, Gianvi makes it increasingly difficult for a woman to become pregnant. However, the contraceptive is 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 introduction of a progestin such as drospirenone may result in catastrophic complications. Recent studies suggest that drospirenone may be responsible for an increased risk developing severe blood clots. In the event of a serious blood clot, circulation may be prohibited from reaching the brain, resulting in a stroke. Due to the severe nature of this complication, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Gianvi stroke lawsuit.
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
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Hyperkalemia
- Cerebrovascular Accidents
- Death
Stroke
According to scientific literature, a stroke occurs when the brain is unable to obtain the appropriate amount of blood and nutrients. Subsequently, if the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and food. In an adverse event such as this, brain cells are unable to thrive and begin 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 Gianvi 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. 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 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 Gianvi Stroke lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke 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.