In the event that a blood clot forms in an artery leading to the brain, the obstruction of blood flow may result in what is known as a stroke. Should the blockage inhibit the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the bran long enough, the stroke may result in permanent disability or even death. Unfortunately, there are certain medications that may increase the rate in which these unnecessary blood clots are developed. Women who take Ocella (generic: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) may significantly increase their risk of developing one of these clots and the subsequent stroke that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke after using 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 Stroke Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Barr Laboratories, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals, Ocella was introduced into interstate commerce in 2008. Upon its release, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already approved its use to assist in the prevention of pregnancy for those who choose to do so. Furthermore, Ocella treatment is also indicated to alleviate symptoms associated with PMDD and bouts of moderate 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, a recent acknowledgement at an FDA Advisory Committee suggested that Ocella treatment may coincide with catastrophic complications. Additionally, the advisory members revealed that drospirenone-containing drugs like Ocella have a propensity to increase potassium levels. Should potassium levels spike, they may result in the development of unnecessary blood clots. In the off chance that a blood clot develops in an artery leading to the brain, the resulting blockage could result in a stroke or even death. 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 stroke lawsuit.
Stroke
Should a blood clot develop in an artery leading to the brain, the resulting complications could prove to be life-threatening. The blockage may prevent the brain from receiving the appropriate nutrients, resulting in a stroke. If the brain is deprived from these nutrients and oxygen for too long, brain cells will continue to die at a rapid pace.
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 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 Stroke 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 stroke. If you have taken Ocella and are worried about these complications, you may qualify for an Ocella stroke lawsuit.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of suffering from a stroke:
- Yasmin
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have an Ocella 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 Ocella stroke lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke 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.