Generic Yasmin - Ocella & Zarah; Generic Yaz - Gianvi

Ocella and Zarah are the generic brands of Yasmin, a combination birth control pill that contains drospirenone (3mg) and ethinyl estradiol (.03mg).  Ocella is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and was introduced to the market in 2008.  Zarah is marketed by Watson Laboratories, Inc. and was introduced to the market in 2010.  Ocella and Zarah are considered a "fourth generation" oral contraceptive because of their use of the progestin, drospirenone.  Drosprirenone (drsp) is not used in other combination oral contraceptives on the market in the United States.

Gianvi is the generic brand of Yaz, a combination birth control pill that contains drospirenone (3mg) and ethinyl estradiol (.02mg).  Gianvi is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and was introduced to the market in 2010.  Gianvi is considered a "fourth generation" oral contraceptive because of its use of the progestin, drospirenone.  Drosprirenone (drsp) is not used in other combination oral contraceptives on the market in the United States.

Ocella, Zarah and Gianvi have a prothombotic effect which can result in pulmonary embolism, stroke or DVT.  Experts believe the reason Ocella, Zarah and Gianvi have a prothombotic effect is because drospirenone is a diuretic which can cause an increase in potassium. Unsafe levels of potassium in the blood, also known as hyperkalemia, can disrupt heart rhythms and slow the flow of blood. This can lead to blood clotting.

Ocella, Zarah and Gianvi have also been linked to serious gallbladder damage. Because you lose water due to the drosperinone's diuretic effect, you develop sludge or bile that injures the gallbladder.  Sludge or gallstones caused by Ocella, Zarah and/or Gianvi often require gallbladder removal.  Once the gallbladder is removed, many people suffer from ongoing gastrointestinal issues that require change in diet and personal habits.

If you or a loved one has suffered stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), gallbladder removal or even death after using Ocella, Zarah or Gianvi, contact the Yaz lawyers at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP now for a free consultation.