Yaz Lawsuit

Attorneys at Douglas & London strive to stand up for anyone affected by birth control pills. We give a voice to those that need to be heard.

What are Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella?

Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella (sometimes known by their synthetic progestin component drospirenone) are three forms of a birth control pill designed to prevent ovulation or the release of an egg from an ovary. Manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Yasmin was FDA-approved in 2001, followed by Yaz which contains a smaller amount of estrogen, in 2006.

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How does Yaz work?

The drug works by modifying the mucus in both the cervix and endometrium, which makes it harder for sperm to penetrate into the uterus and for an egg to implant.

In addition to serving as an effective birth control method, Yaz and Yasmin have been used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, cramps and mood swings.

Risks of Yaz

Like all birth control pills, Yaz came with initial warnings of common side effects such as breast tenderness, vaginal itching, weight gain and changes in menstrual cycles. However, more recently these drugs have been linked to dangerous physical conditions related to high levels of potassium caused by the drospirenone hormone in Yaz. Dangerous levels of potassium can cause heart attacks, heart arrhythmias, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, and strokes.

In 2008 the FDA forced Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals to alter its advertising campaign and product packaging for these forms of birth control, requiring the company to elevate the dangers of the drugs and stop marketing Yaz and Yasmin for purposes not approved by the FDA.

In 2009, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published two separate studies that indicated an increased risk with Yasmin as compared to other birth control pills.  Then in 2011, three studies published in the BMJ, one in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, and one published by the FDA itself further confirmed the increased risk with drospirenone-containing birth control pills.

Douglas & London Yaz Litigation

In October 2009 Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella cases throughout the country were centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois before Judge David R. Herndon and Douglas & London was appointed one of three co-lead plaintiffs’ counsel to oversee the entire litigation.  In its role as co-lead counsel, Douglas & London was and continues to be principally involved in overseeing and coordinating the litigation, including the recent settlements.    Indeed, in just over one year, almost 100 corporate and expert witness depositions took place in five different countries, in which firm partners Gary Douglas and Stephanie O’Connor were actively involved.    In the same year, approximately 100 plaintiff depositions took place across the country.   Douglas & London further contributed to the litigation efforts by coordinating, managing and developing the scientific and medical evidence in support of experts’ theories of liability and causation.    As a result of their diligent efforts, Douglas & London was asked to serve as co-lead counsel in the first Yaz/Yasmin/Ocella bellwether case in the country.

Today, Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella have been cited in over 10,000 cases and some settlements have been reached with Bayer. If you or someone you know has endured severe side effects from Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella use now is your chance to make your cause known. You may be entitled to compensation as a result of this dangerous drug.  Contact our Yaz Lawyer and Yasmin attorney team today!

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