All prescription drugs come with warnings of potential side effects. Women in Nevada who take oral contraceptives trust their doctors to prescribe birth control pills that are safe and effective. A Reno personal injury attorney often understands the difficulties doctors and patients face when a manufacturer does not provide adequate warnings of side effects.
Yaz is a birth control pill produced by Bayer HealthCare containing the hormone drospirenone. It is a very effective contraceptive. Doctors sometimes also prescribe it for patients who have acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The FDA’s prescription information now provides a warning about the birth control hormone drospirenone. According to the report, it may be linked to a higher risk of blood clots than oral contraceptives that contain other hormones to prevent ovulation.
Recent product liability litigation against the manufacturer alleges many serious health care problems occurring to women of all ages. Thousands of these claims have been filed against Bayer HealthCare.
Warning signs and risks
There are many potential side effects of Yaz that could indicate a serious health risk. Blurry vision, chest pain or trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, facial swelling and paralysis on one side of the body are signals that medical attention should be sought immediately. A combination of symptoms could cause potentially fatal conditions that include the following:
- Cancer
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Severe allergic reactions
Women are particularly at risk if they have a history of these conditions. The drug is associated with elevated potassium levels, which place women with liver or kidney problems at increased risk for heart issues. Women who are over the age of 35 or who smoke are also at a higher risk. A Reno personal injury attorney typically recognizes that early discovery and treatment of side effects may prevent permanent disability and death.
Opponents promote awareness
Some opponents of the drug believe that the potential seriousness of the side effects should lead the medical community to reject the birth pill in favor of a safer option. They claim the producer of Yaz is guilty of manufacturing defective products because of the harm caused to those who have taken the prescription medication. Others call for a more prominent warning label listing potential side effects so that women can make informed choices. Many women who have allegedly had negative experiences with the drug posted their stories online to warn other consumers.
Even when side effects are not fatal, continuing health problems and associated medical costs can be debilitating. Compensation may be available for women who experience health problems caused by a birth control pill containing drospirenone. A Reno personal injury attorney may be able to provide legal advice on the best way to proceed in a defective product lawsuit.