Pulmonary embolism is characterized by a blood clot that develops in the veins and travels to the lungs. The subsequent blockage proves to be detrimental to the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body. As a growing concern amongst Americans, pulmonary embolism represents a severe, life-threatening problem. Unfortunately, outside factors may increase the rate in which this condition is developed. Women who use Yasmin may increase their risk of developing pulmonary embolism.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after taking Yasmin, 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.
Yasmin Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Overview
Officials a the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of the use of Yasmin to assist in pregnancy prevention. Shortly after gaining such an approval, Bayer Healthcare introduced Yasmin to the public on May 11, 2001. Having been on the market for approximately 11 years, Yasmin has served as an oral contraceptive for millions of women. When used as directed, Yasmin has demonstrated a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy. Yasmin is also indicated for the reduction of acne and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Drospirenone, one of the active ingredients contained in Yasmin, belongs to a group of drugs known as progestins. Drospirenone, dubbed by the healthcare community as a fourth generation contraceptive, is capable of preventing ovulation in those who choose to. In doing so, drospirenone alters conditions in the cervical and uterine lining by suppressing gonadotropin. The resulting conditions make it more difficult for a sperm to reach the uterus and attempt conception.
Despite a unique propensity for the prevention of pregnancy, Yasmin treatment may coincide with catastrophic side effects. According to an FDA Advisory Committee that recently convened, contraceptives that contain drospirenone such as Yasmin may elevate potassium levels to a dangerously high peak. Elevated levels of potassium may result in the development of unnecessary blood clots or their more serious forms known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If either of these should develop in a large vein, part of the clot may break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism and, possibly, death. Due to the severe nature of these clots, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Yasmin pulmonary embolism lawsuit.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism usually occurs when a blood clot in a vein breaks off, travels through the blood stream, and lodges in the lung. More often than not, pulmonary embolism is the result of a deep vein thrombosis that fractures and travel to the lungs. In the United States, more than 600,000 people have a pulmonary embolism each year, and more than 60,000 of them die. Most of those who die do so within 30 to 60 minutes after symptoms begin. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can cause:
- Permanent damage to part of your lung from lack of blood flow to lung tissue
- Low oxygen levels in your blood
- Damage to other organs in your body from not getting enough oxygen.
- Death
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of pulmonary embolism:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Coughing up blood-tinged septum
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
Prompt treatment of a pulmonary embolism is critical to prevent the development of serious complications or death. Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and clot dissolvers, may be administered. However some cases may witness a doctor preform one of the following procedures to treat the condition:
- Clot removal: If shock is induced from a large clot in the lungs, doctors may thread a thin flexible tube (catheter) through the blood vessels and suction out the clot. It can be difficult to remove a clot this way, and this procedure isn’t always successful.
- Vein filter: A catheter can also be used to place a filter in the main vein — called the inferior vena cava — that leads from your legs to the right side of your heart. This filter catches and stops blood clots moving through the blood stream toward your lungs. Filter insertion is typically reserved for people who can’t take anticoagulant drugs or when anticoagulant drugs don’t work well enough.
- Surgery: If you’re in shock and thrombolytic medication isn’t working quickly enough, your doctor might attempt emergency surgery. This happens infrequently, and the goal is to remove as many blood clots as possible, especially if there’s a large clot in your main (central) pulmonary artery.
Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of pulmonary embolism:
- Yaz
- Beyaz
- Ocella
- Gianvi
- Safyral
- Loryna
Do I Have a Yasmin 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 Yasmin pulmonary embolism lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism after taking Yasmin, 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.