Yaz Birth Control Side Effects and Lawsuits

Yaz is a popular birth control pill. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug on March 16, 2006, when Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals submitted it for approval. Doctors also prescribe Yaz to treat moderate acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Besides Yaz, Bayer produces Yasmin and Beyaz — two birth control pills that are nearly identical to Yaz. Ocella, Gianvi, and Sayeda are generic versions of Yaz. The drugs share similar active ingredients and side effects.

Side Effects of Yaz

As with most prescription drugs, taking Yaz and its sister drug, Yasmin, comes with adverse side effects. The most common side effect is weight gain.

Some of the other health complications that result from the use of Yaz include:

• Blood clots
• Venous thromboembolism
• High blood pressure
• Breast cancer
• Heart attack

Although Bayer has said these side effects happen infrequently, thousands of women have sued Bayer and other drug manufacturers.

Increased Risk of Blood Clots

The most common complaint in Yasmin and Yaz lawsuits is that drospirenone causes blood clots. Drospirenone is one of the main ingredients in these medications. Blood clots develop when blood coagulates to form a solid mass within a vein or artery.

Nearly all birth control pills carry a risk of blood clots. But, reports suggest that women who take Yaz are two to three times more likely to develop blood clots. Blood clots are not necessarily dangerous, but they can cause serious harm.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot develops in the body's deep veins. This usually happens in the legs. Deep-vein clots can easily break free and travel through the rest of the body.

A clot that lodges in another part of the body can disrupt blood flow. The blood clot has the potential to cause two other severe conditions. These conditions are pulmonary embolism and stroke.

Pulmonary Embolism

An embolus occurs when a blood clot that forms in one part of the body travels to another part. When an embolus lodges in an artery of a lung, it can create a pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolisms cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and heart attack. Many plaintiffs have alleged that Bayer was aware of this higher risk of pulmonary embolism but failed to warn of this risk.

Stroke

When a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, it causes stroke. A stroke is the rapid loss of brain functions. It can cause a traumatic brain injury or even death. Stroke sufferers are often left partially paralyzed and cannot speak normally.

Younger women (under 35) have sued Bayer. These plaintiffs claim that they had a stroke after taking Yaz. These women argued that Bayer did not warn them of this risk.

FDA Warnings About Yaz Side Effects

Since Bayer introduced Yaz in 2006, the FDA has responded to reports of the drug's side effects. For example, in 2008, the FDA warned Bayer that television commercials for Yaz did not adequately warn women about the risk of severe and life-threatening side effects.

In 2012, the FDA required that labels for birth control pills containing drospirenone warn patients about the risk of blood clots.

Over the years, the FDA has warned of other health complications arising from taking Yaz and other birth control pills. For example, the FDA ordered Bayer (and other birth control manufacturers) to warn of an increased risk of hyperkalemia in high-risk patients.

The FDA has also issued warnings about contraindications for patients suffering from the following:

• History of blood clots
• Migraine headaches
• High blood pressure
• Circulation problems
• Heart disease

Despite these warnings, the FDA has not issued a Yaz recall.

Yaz Side Effect Lawsuits

Thousands of women have sued Bayer, claiming they suffered serious side effects after taking Yaz. Most plaintiffs filed their lawsuits in state courts. Hundreds of plaintiffs filed suit in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

There were so many Yaz lawsuits pending in federal court that a judge consolidated them into a single multi-district litigation (MDL). Multi-district litigation is different from a class-action lawsuit. In MDL, each plaintiff files an individual lawsuit against the manufacturer. In a class action, plaintiffs' claims become one lawsuit.

As of late 2023, Bayer had paid over $850 million to settle thousands of Yasmin and Yaz lawsuits. These cases involved injuries from DVT or pulmonary embolism. Experts suggest it will cost Bayer another $2.6 billion to settle pending cases.

To date, Bayer has not admitted any liability. The pharmaceutical giant has required many plaintiffs to sign an agreement indicating that Bayer was not legally responsible for their injuries.

Liability for Injuries from Side Effects

Not all the Yaz lawsuits are from blood clots and DVT. Some plaintiffs have sued Bayer for fraudulent misrepresentation. They claim that Bayer misled consumers into taking Yaz by exaggerating the benefits of the pill.

Others have accused Bayer of breach of warranty. These plaintiffs allege that the drug was not reasonably safe for its intended uses.

Yaz Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Sadly, some women who took Yaz died from their injuries. In these cases, families of the victims have filed wrongful death lawsuits.

Under wrongful death laws, surviving family members can sue the party responsible for their loved one's death. In a successful wrongful death suit, surviving relatives get compensation for the following:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Medical bills
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of the deceased's financial support

If your loved one has died after taking Yaz, you may have a valid claim for wrongful death. It's best to consult a personal injury attorney to determine whether you have standing to sue.

What To Do if You Suffer an Injury After Taking Yaz

If you or a loved one experiences severe symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Yaz, seek immediate medical attention. You may have a legal right to compensation. The types of damages you recover will depend on the facts of your case.

Typically, plaintiffs in product liability lawsuits can recover the following:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

It's important to know that judges rarely award punitive damages in these cases. They only impose punitive damages when they want to punish the defendant.

Speak With an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you become sick after taking Yaz or any birth control pill, you have rights. Whether you recover damages will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. Meeting with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case as soon as possible is a good idea.