As consumers, we are constantly being exposed to new medications, many of which may have the potential to cause us severe health complications. Unfortunately, without accurate information from the drug manufacturing company, we may be unknowingly putting ourselves at risk for these dangerous side effects at any given time. Because a drug has been approved by the FDA and undergone extensive testing, consumers naively assume that a medication is safe and unlikely to cause them any serious harm. Unfortunately, some drugs currently on the market have dangerous side effects which may significantly outweigh the potential benefits of the drug. Yaz, for example, is one of the most popular forms of oral contraceptive, and promises consumers effective pregnancy prevention and moderate acne treatment, as well as treatment of the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, the drug is also believed to cause heart attack, gallbladder disease, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and stroke.
A stroke is very similar to a heart attack, but differs in location. Blood carries essential oxygen and nutrients to the neurons in the brain, and when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, a stroke occurs. Disrupted blood flow can be the result of a blood clot which travels to the brain. If the blood supply is cut off for a long period of time, the brain cells begin to die. Common symptoms of stroke include:
Stroke can cause life-altering, irreversible complications and permanent disability. Some stroke victims suffer from cerebral swelling, seizures, increased intracranial pressure and intracranial hemorrage. Because the neurons are responsible for a number of body functions, death of brain cells can result in paralysis and speech problems, among other complications.
Research has indicated that the use of Yaz can increase an individual’s risk of stroke, due in large part to the drug’s status as a “fourth generation” combination birth control pill. This means that Yaz contains a newer type of synthetic progestin called drospirenone. According to the FDA, drospirenone may lead to serious heart and health problems including heart attack, stroke and blood clots. In fact, in a 2009 study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers found that an individual consuming drospirenone is 6.3 times more likely to develop blood clots which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Drospirenone is believed to increase the level of potassium in the blood, which may lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that can result in cardiac arrest and kidney failure.
Unfortunately, consumers are subjected to the deceptive practices of drug manufacturing companies on a daily basis. In order to expedite the FDA approval process, some pharmaceutical companies may conceal the more serious side effects associated with their medication. This puts consumers at risk for adverse side effects without even their knowledge, never mind their consent. In 2008, the FDA cited Yaz manufacturers, Bayer Healthcare Inc., for using deceptive techniques in several of their Yaz advertisements. According to the FDA, Bayer overstated the drug’s benefits while intentionally distracting viewers from the listed side effects of Yaz. In 2009, Bayer pulled those particular commercials off the air and replaced them with new ads which corrected these issues. Unfortunately, during that span on time, consumers continued to take Yaz, unaware of the drug’s true potential for harm. The most effective way to stand up to negligent practices employed by big drug companies is to file a Yaz lawsuit.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the third most common cause of death in the United States.
Approximately 750,000 new strokes happen in the U.S. each year and these individuals may be faced with life-altering complications in the future like permanent paralysis and loss of brain function. Victims of serious Yaz injuries should contact a Yaz attorney to discuss the benefits of filing a lawsuit. A number of Yaz lawsuits against Bayer are pending and hundreds more cases of Yaz injuries are currently under investigation throughout the United States. Approximately one hundred million women use oral contraceptives like Yaz and may be putting themselves at risk for serious injury and even death. If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke related to the use of Yaz, a Yaz lawyer can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
