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Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys Help Women Hurt by Drospirenone while Taking Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella
The often prescribed oral contraceptives, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella all contain common ingredients. One of those ingredients is drospirenone which is not a common ingredient in other birth control pills. Drospirenone has been linked to a potentially serious medical condition that can be fatal. It is, therefore, important for all previous and current users of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella to understand what drospirenone is, why it is dangerous and the potential health problems that it can create.
What is drospirenone?
Drospirenone is a form of synthetic progestin found in Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals manufactured birth control pills such as Yaz and Yasmin. Drospirenone may lead to less water retention and skin problems than other ingredients that may be used in birth control pills, however these benefits may not justify its use given the risks associated it.
Why is drospirenon dangerous?
3 mg of drospirenone, which is the dose found in Yaz and Yasmin, can potentially lead to hyperkalemia or an elevated blood potassium level. High levels of potassium in the blood can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
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Certain medical conditions such as kidney, liver or adrenal gland disease can increase the dangers associated with drospirenon. Some medications such as many over the counter pain killers, heparin, ace inhibitors, Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists and potassium supplements can also increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Do I Have Hyperkalmia?
Many times hyperkalmia is asymptomatic and patients do not know that have a serious condition until they are suffering from cardiac arrest. Patients who do have symptoms may experience nausea, fatigue, a tingling sensation or muscle weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms and you take or have recently taken Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella then you should seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will likely do a blood test to determine the level of potassium in your blood. If it is elevated then you will undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to determine if there are any abnormalities in your heart.
What Happens if I Have Hyperkalmia?
If the condition is caught early then you will likely be advised to stop taking your birth control pills and your doctor will monitor the potassium levels in your blood through simple blood tests to make sure that the levels are decreasing.
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If the condition is not caught early then it may require more aggressive medical treatment and it can result in your death.
If you or a family member have suffered from hyperkalmia or any other side effect of Yaz or Yasmin then it is important to contact an experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney who can advise you on your legal rights.
