Yasmin Information

Yasmin, a combination birth control pill that contains drospirenone (3mg) and ethinyl estradiol (.03mg), were originally developed by Berlex Labororatories.  Yasmin was first approved for use in the United States in 2001.  Yasmin 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.

As early as April 2002, Yasmin was linked to venous thrombosis by the Dutch College of General Practitioners who recommended that older, second generation birth control pills be prescribed in lieu of Yasmin as a result of 40 cases of venous thrombosis among women taking Yasmin. And about a year later, Yasmin was linked to thromboembolism in a paper published in the British Medical Journal.

Experts believe Yasmin has a prothombotic effect 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.  Blood clots in the lungs, called pulmonary embolism or PE, are a very serious side effect requiring hospitalization and sometimes death.  Blood clots in the legs, called deep vein thrombosis or DVT, are also serious and require treatment with blood thinners.  The most serious injury from a blood clot would be a stroke.  Many young women have suffered strokes, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis after taking Yasmin.

Yasmin has 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.  With an extensive build up of sludge and/or gallstones, removal of the gallbladder may be necessary.  Gallbladder removal often results in lifelong gastrointestinal side effects.

In July 2003, the FDA sent a warning letter to Berlex Laboratories regarding its direct-to-consumer advertising. Berlex was warned that its Yasmin advertisement was misleading and in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and applicable implementing regulations.

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder removal or death after using Yasmin, contact the Yasmin lawyers at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP now for a free Yasmin lawsuit consultation.