Bayer Pharmaceuticals has been battling it out in court over whether the patent for its controversial fourth-generation birth control pills, Yaz and Yasmin, is valid. Although generic Yaz became available in January of 2012, it was pulled off the market pending patent litigation. An appeals court recently ruled that Bayer’s patent was not valid, so generic Yaz is now back on pharmaceutical shelves – despite the drug’s known health risks.
Drospirenone Increases Risk Of Fatal Blood Clots
Regardless of whether the product is marketed as Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Beyaz or another generic name, women should be aware that all of these fourth-generation birth control pills contain the synthetic hormone drospirenone, which has been linked to an increased risk of:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
According to a recent article in Reuters, several companies will begin marketing, or re-marketing, drospirenone -containing birth control pills, including Actavis Inc., Sandoz Inc. (the generic drug unit for Novartis) and Lupin Ltd. – despite the fact that Bayer currently faces 10,000 lawsuits over Yaz and Yasmin injuries.
10,000 Yaz Lawsuits & Counting
Approximately 10,000 women who have taken these drugs and suffered serious Yaz side effects have filed lawsuits against Bayer, and the pharmaceutical giant has already paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements. Generic manufacturers may soon find themselves in a similar situation, as more information becomes known about the dangers of the synthetic hormone drospirenone.
If you have been injured, contact The Driscoll Firm, LLC, to discuss your situation. All manufacturers – including those who sell generic versions of drugs – must be held accountable for manufacturing, marketing and distributing dangerous and/or defective products and for failing to warn consumers about known health risks. Find out whether you might be entitled to compensation today. Initial consultations are free and without obligation.
