A pulmonary embolism occurs when a severe blood clot, otherwise known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is dislodged and travels to the lungs. The extent of damage sustained by this condition is dependent on the obstruction of blood flow though the lungs. Should the clot inhibit a significant amount of blood to enter the lungs, the condition is to be considered severe and life-threatening. Unfortunately, there are certain pharmaceutical products that increase the rate in which pulmonary embolisms develops. Women who use Ocella may significantly increase their risk of suffering from pulmonary embolism and any corresponding complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from pulmonary embolism 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 Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Overview
Ocella is the product of Barr Laboratories, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Before its 2008 release, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the use of Ocella to assist in the prevention of pregnancy for those who choose to do so. 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 lends weight to the long-suspected link between drospirenone use and catastrophic complications. Such complications were acknowledged at a recent FDA Advisory Committee, in which a panel of healthcare professionals discussed the safety and efficacy of fourth generation contraceptives like Ocella. According to those attending the meeting, drospirenone may drastically increase potassium levels in a patient’s blood. Such an increase may result in the development of severe blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis. Should one of these clots fracture or dislodge, it may travel to the lungs and create a subsequent blockage. Otherwise known as a pulmonary embolism, the blockage of the lungs may be responsible for a chain reaction of complications with fatal implications. 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 Pulmonary Embolism lawsuit.
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 inadequate dispersal of oxygenated blood and 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 DVT 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 DVT associated with birth control pills that contain drospirenone. Unfortunately, the presence of a severe DVT may lead to the development of several life-threatening complications, one of which is pulmonary embolism.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of suffering from a pulmonary embolism:
- Yasmin
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have an Ocella 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 Ocella pulmonary embolism lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from pulmonary embolism 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.