Evidence of Yaz Risks Growing

Yaz, Yasmin & Ocella have been linked to some very serious side effects

Evidence is growing that taking Yaz and Yasmin birth control carries serious health risks. Yaz contains a synthetic kind of progestin called drospirenone. Drospirenone can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition caused by excessive amounts of potassium in the blood, in high risk patients, says the FDA. This condition may potentially result in serious heart and health problems.

Because of this risk, women with conditions that predispose them to hyperkalemia (such as hepatic (liver) dysfunction, renal insufficiency, and adrenal insufficiency) should not take it as they may be in danger from the side effects of Yaz. Women taking Yaz should also be concerned about drug interactions that could increase potassium, in addition to the drug interactions common to many other kinds combination oral contraceptives.

In order for Yaz users to avoid high potassium levels, blood tests should be taken every few months. Most women who take Yaz don’t realize they should be doing this because the instructions to take the tests are provided in a small package insert with the birth control – something most people never even read.
Women involved in Yaz lawsuits have claimed that they suffered from a variety of serious ailments. These include deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Yaz has also been associated with heart attacks and even fatalities in young women.

FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) lists a number of other side effects of Yaz reported by users. These include severe allergic reactions, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, itching, chest tightening, fainting, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, unusual or severe vaginal bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, vaginal irritation or discharge, and vision changes.