Yasmin and Yaz are two types of birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Healthcare, and the generic, Ocella, is marketed and distributed by Barr Laboratories, Inc.

Yasmin and Yaz contain the same estrogenic compound, ethinyl estradiol,  that has been used in “The Pill” since the 1970s, but the progestin in Yasmin and Yaz is new. Yasmin and Yaz both contain drospirenone,  a “fourth generation” progestin – no other birth control pills contain  drospirenone, except for a recently approved generic version, Ocella.

Drospirenone may act as a diuretic, causing dehydration and increased potassium levels in the blood. The FDA has warned that “increased serum potassium can be dangerous.” Since potassium acts as a key control  in cardiac rhythm, this imbalance can cause hyperkalemia and heart  rhythm disturbances. This process can result in the formation of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary  embolism, and even death. Dehydration can also cause kidney stones  and gallbladder disease.

From the first quarter of 2004 through the third quarter of 2008, well over 50 reports of death among users of Yasmin and Yaz have been filed with FDA. These include numerous deaths with reported cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, intracardiac thrombus (blood clots in the heart), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), and stroke in women under 50 years of age. In fact, some of the deaths occurred in women as young as 17 years old. Significantly, reports of elevated potassium levels are frequently included among the symptoms of those suffering fatalities while using Yasmin or Yaz.

If you or a loved one suffered from blood clots, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, gallbladder disease, or death while using Yasmin, Yaz, or Ocella, contact the attorneys at Allan Berger & Associates. – we may be able to help.