Yaz, Yasmin, and the generic form Ocella is a type of birth control originally developed by Berlex Laboratories (a U.S. affiliate of Schering AG, Germany) that was first approved for use in 2001. In 2006, the drug company, Bayer, acquired Berlex and marketed a more recent version of Yasmin, called YAZ. Ocella is a generic version. Yasmin, Yaz, and Ocella all contain drospirenone, a "fourth generation" progestin.  No other birth control pills contain drospirenone, except for these.

Serious Side Effects:

Yasmin and Yaz contain a different type of hormone known as drsp or drospirenone. Drospirenone can increase a user's potassium levels. This can lead to serious health problems, which are particularly dangerous for those with kidney, liver and adrenal disease. In addition, other serious side effects of Yaz and Yasmin include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Benign liver tumors
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Sudden death

Other Side Effects That May Be Experienced:

• Severe allergic reactions including rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing.
• Tightness in the chest swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Symptoms of liver problems
• Unusual or severe vaginal bleeding
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• vaginal irritation or discharge
• Vision changes (eg, sudden vision loss, double vision)

There have also been over 50 reports of death filed with the FDA since 2004. 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. Reports of elevated potassium levels are frequently included among the symptoms of those suffering fatalities from Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella.

Deceptive Advertising:

Bayer has also improperly encouraged the use of Yasmin/Yaz/Ocella for conditions other than those in which the drug has been approved for. These false claims involved the ability of Yaz to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and all types of acne. In October 2008, the FDA issued a warning letter for deceptive claims.  The FDA said claims made in the ads left the impression that Yaz was a treatment for PMS, when in fact it is only meant as a treatment for PMDD. The FDA also said that both ads left the impression  that Yaz  is approved as a treatment for acne of all severities when Yaz is only approved to treat moderate acne.

If you or a loved one have suffered serious injury or death while using Yasmin, Yaz or the generic product Ocella, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the birth control side effects lawyers of Milavetz, Gallop & Milavetz, P.A. today for a free nationwide case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can answer any questions you may have about Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella side effects or a potential Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella lawsuit. Fill out the contact form on this page or call toll free: 1-866-531-2705.