The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains concerned about the potentially higher risk of blood clots in women taking newer forms of birth control pills, such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. These "fourth generation" contraceptive drugs contain drospirenone, a new type of synthetic progestin.
An FDA-funded study indicates that women taking contraceptive drugs containing drospirenone have a 50 percent increased risk of blood clots. Earlier this year two other studies appearing in the British Medical Journal found double to triple the risk. An FDA advisory committee is scheduled to meet in December after which the full findings of the study will be released.
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot forms inside a vein. DVTs are very serious and can be deadly. These clots typically form in the lower leg or thigh, but can travel to other areas of the body. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition where the clot breaks loose and travels to the lung blocking a lung artery. DVTs and PEs are also known as venous thromboembolic events, or VTEs.
DVT symptoms include the new onset of persistent leg pain. The symptoms of a PE include sudden shortness of breath and severe chest pain. VTEs can be life threatening and women experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
The attorneys at Jones Ward PLC represent women from across the country that have been harmed by Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. If you would like to speak with someone about a potential case, please call the attorneys at Jones Ward PLC at 1-888-KYLAW22 (595-2922) or email tj@jonesward.com.
