Similar to that of a common blood clot, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is characterized by the initiation of the clotting cascade deep within the tissue. The formation of a DVT in a primary vein may result in several life-threatening complications. While already relatively common, the development of this severe condition may be influenced by certain outside factors. Women who receive Safyral (generic: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate) treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing DVT and any subsequent complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from DVT after taking Safyral, 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.
Safyral Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawsuit Overview
Safyral was introduced into interstate commerce in 2010. As one of the many oral contraceptives provided by Bayer Healthcare, it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the prevention of pregnancy. When taken as directed, research suggests that Safyral is 99 percent effective. However, in addition to birth control, Safyral also reduces the presence of moderate acne and symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Safyral combines three unique active ingredients, drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate. Both drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol work together to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The introduction of levomefolate, a B vitamin, helps prevent a rare birth defect that could occur from the high folate levels created by Safyral.
However, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between drospirenone-containing contraceptives and catastrophic complications. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee, the introduction of drospirenone may be responsible for the development of severe blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If these should develop, women would be at an increased risk of several complications including: heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, abnormal heart rhythm, gall bladder injury and pancreatitis. Due to the severe nature of these complications, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Safyral deep vein thrombosis lawsuit.
Safyral Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep within the tissue. Also known as thrombi, DVT is the result of the body trying to heal itself from any injuries the blood vessel has sustained. While deep vein thrombi are considered a safety mechanism, their presence may result in catastrophic complications. If the clotting process is too extensive, and not enough blood is permitted to pass, the circulatory system is unable to maintain an efficient flow of blood. The clot therefore serves as an obstacle in the blood stream that prevents the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. As a result, vital organs may starve and eventually suffer from severe complications. The following complications may result from deep vein thrombosis:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- 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.
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis:
- Yasmin
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Loryna
Do I Have a Safyral Deep Vein Thrombosis 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 Safyral deep vein thrombosis lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from deep vein thrombosis after taking Safyral, 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.