Birth Control Pill Warning: Yaz and Yasmin

Back in 2003, the FDA issued a warning to Berlex, the original developers of Yasmin, for deemphasizing the risks associated with the birth control pill in their advertisements. The makers of Yasmin, a pill approved in 2001 that contains both ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and drospirenone (progestin), were also warned that their commercials implied that the pill was superior to other birth control pills.

In 2008, Bayer HealthCare, which acquired Berlex in 2006, was warned that advertisements for the birth control pill Yaz were making misleading claims. The commercials implied that Yaz treated all grades of acne, although the drug is only approved to treat moderate acne. In addition, the ads gave the impression that the pill could treat PMS symptoms, even though it is only approved for the treatment of PMDD, a condition with more severe symptoms than PMS. Bayer HealthCare was also warned that their commercials diminished the risk of potential side effects by explaining them over distracting visuals and music.

Following these FDA warnings, the makers of Yaz agreed to launch a new campaign to make clear the risks and benefits of the birth control pill. However, there is still concern about the safety of the drug. More than 50 deaths of women taking Yaz or Yasmin have been reported to the FDA, some of which were teenagers attempting to treat their acne. The progestin in these drugs may increase blood potassium levels and increase a woman’s risk of stroke, heart attack, clots, kidney disease or damage, cardiac arrhythmias, gallbladder problems and death.

Women who already have elevated levels of blood potassium are at greater risk, so it is important to talk to your doctor before starting a medication that may cause a problem. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a doctor who prescribed an inappropriate drug, call the pharmaceutical error attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today. We will evaluate your Bronx pharmaceutical error, Brooklyn pharmaceutical error, Queens pharmaceutical error or Long Island pharmaceutical error case for free.

Call us toll-free 1-877-ASK4SAM and visit www.ask4sam.net