A recently conducted study has added weight to the long-suspected link between fourth generation contraceptives and an increased risk of deep veinous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. According to the new study, drospirenone-containing contraceptives, such as Yaz and Yasmin, place patients at a significantly higher risk of developing blood clots than older birth control pills.
Fourth generation contraceptives contain a progestin known as drospirenone that helps prevent pregnancy. It is indicated to prevent the ovulation of fertile eggs. However, contraceptives containing drospirenone have recently become the subject of intense scrutiny. It is believed that fourth generation contraceptives may significantly increase the risk of developing severe, life-threatening blood clots.
Venous thromboembolism is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in the legs. It is a serious condition because a blood clot that has formed in a vein can break loose and travel to the lungs, which has the potential to cause a heart attack or stroke.
According to safety information released by Bayer:
“The Pill may increase the tendency to develop strokes (stoppage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain) and heart attacks (blockage of blood vessels in the heart). Blood clots and blockage of blood vessels are the most serious side effects of taking birth control pills. In particular, a clot in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), can cause pain and swelling, and a clot that travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) can cause sudden blocking of the vessel carrying blood to the lungs. The risk of blood clots is highest during the first year of use.”
In an FDA report, the agency acknowledged that they are 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.
However, a recent study conducted by Dr. Naomi Gronich, a clinical researcher in the Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology in Tel Aviv, revealed that drospirenone is responsible for a 43% increase in the risk of venous blood clots compared to third-generation contraceptives and a 65% increase risk when compared to second-generation medications. Gronich acknowledges that it is important to raise awareness of the increased risk of venous thromboembolism when taking drospirenone-containing contraceptives.
Do I Have a Drospirenone 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 Drospirenone lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured after taking a contraceptive that contains drospirenone, 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.