Yaz and Yasmin

The YAZ birth control pill, manufactured and marketed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals has been linked to a number of serious, life-threatening side effects. YAZ, also known as Yasmin or its generic name Ocella, is a birth control pill that contains both drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. The birth control pill was developed by Berlex Laboratories, which has since been acquired by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

YAZ (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use an oral contraceptive. YAZ is also indicated for the treatment of symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of contraception. The effectiveness of YAZ for PMDD when used for more than 3 menstrual cycles has not been evaluated. YAZ has not been evaluated for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

YAZ is indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age, who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy and have achieved menarche. YAZ should be used for the treatment of acne only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control.

Since 2004, there have been over 50 deaths reported to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of women who were taking YAZ.  Some of the deaths associated with women taking YAZ included cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, intracardiac thrombus (blood clots in the heart), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), and stroke.

The FDA has issued several warnings to the manufacturer and marketer of YAZ regarding the inappropriateness of their advertising and marketing of the birth control product.

There are a variety of serious, life-threatening side effects associated with the YAZ birth control pill including the following: