You may have heard of Yaz contraceptives, or seen the Yaz commercials on television. Yaz is a newer kind of oral contraceptive (birth control pill). It contains two medications: ethinyl estradiol, a kind of estrogen, and drospirenone, a newer version of progestin, which is a hormone related to estrogen. These two medications work together to stop a woman from ovulating, which prevents pregnancy. The same medications used in Yaz are also used in Yasmin, a related brand, and Ocella, the generic version of Yaz.

Many women think birth control pills such as Yaz are a safe and effective oral contraception. But, Yaz has been shown to cause a wide range of serious side effects and health complications, many of which are related to an excessive build up of potassium (and potentially copper, as well) in the body.

When a woman’s body retains too much potassium, the condition is called hyperkalemia. The build up of excess potassium (hyperkalemia) disrupts the delicate balance of electrolytes in a woman’s body to a dangerous degree. Major organ systems in the body depend on balanced electrolytes to stay stable and healthy: when the body’s electrolytes spiral too far out of control, a woman taking Yaz runs the risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, blood clots, strokes, and death.

The Yaz and Yasmin brands are owned by the drug manufacturer Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Over the past 18 months, Bayer has been sued in numerous courts around the United States for injuries to women from Yaz birth control pills. What’s more, Bayer has also been sued for the advertisements and marketing campaigns that Bayer used to promote Yaz to the public, on the grounds that Bayer’s television commercials misled consumers about Yaz’s uses and safety record. As of October 1, 2009, the pending Yaz federal lawsuits have been consolidated and will all be prosecuted in the Southern District of Illinois.

If you, or someone you know, have used Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella, and have experienced a serious health complication, we invite you to contact us to discuss your legal options. Click HERE for a free evaluation of your case by the Law Offices of Brian D. Witzer.