Heart attacks are directly correlated to a lack of blood flow that results in irreparable damage to cardiac tissue. Should the heart be unable to receive nutrients and oxygen from blood for a prolonged period of time, it will eventually fail, resulting in a heart attack. Unfortunately, the the rate in which heart attacks occur may be influenced by the introduction of certain pharmaceutical products. Women who use Ocella as a form of contraception may significantly increase their risk of suffering a heart attack.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a heart attack after taking 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 Heart Attack 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.
While Ocella has proven itself effective in the prevention of pregnancy, treatment with the contraceptive is not without concern. According to an FDA Advisory Committee, the use of drospirenone-containing contraceptives like Ocella may result in dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. Subsequently, the presence of such a phenomenon may increase the risk of developing severe blood clots, otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis. Should one of these clots form in an artery or vein suppling the heart, the risk of suffering from a life-threatening heart attack is heightened. 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 heart attack lawsuit.
Heart Attack
Heart attacks are directly correlated to a distinct lack of blood flow that neglects to provide coronary tissue with the appropriate nutrients to survive. The inhibition of oxygenated blood flow through the heart, often caused by a blood clot, starves the heart of nutrients. The longer the heart is deprived of these nutrients, the more damage is sustained by the coronary tissue. If the flow of blood is blocked for too long, the heart may fail.
While heart attacks are unpredictable, there are signs and symptoms to take into consideration right before they happen. The following is a comprehensive list of possible symptoms you may feel right before a heart attack:
- 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. Unfortunately, the presence of a severe VTE may lead to life-threatening complications, one of which is a heart attack. If you have taken Ocella and are worried about these risks, you may be eligible for compensation through your own Ocella heart attack lawsuit.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of heart attack:
- Yasmin
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have an Ocella 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 Ocella 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 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.