Yasmin has been prescribed to millions of women to treat moderate acne, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and of course, as a birth control solution. For years, the drug has been advertised aggressively by its manufacturer, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. Since the oral contraceptive received FDA approval in 2001, women have begun to report experiencing serious Yaz side effects. Some are potentially life-threatening. No Yasmin lawsuit settlements have been announced as litigation is ongoing.

The drug’s package labeling mentions dozens of side effects, including hair loss, breast pain, depression, and urinary tract infection. While those and others certainly deserve attention, this article will address the most severe Yasmin side effects. They include blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder disease, and heart attack and stroke.

Increased Risk Of Blood Clots

Yasmin may pose a higher risk of blood clots than other birth control pills. It is known as a combined hormone contraceptive because it blends ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) with a progestin called drospirenone. This unique combination has been found to increase the risk of clotting 6.3-fold over not using an oral contraceptive. Blood clots are not usually life-threatening, though they can hamper your circulation. That said, they can pose a significant health risk if they form within a deep vein.

Yaz DVT And Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot that forms within a deep vein is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It usually occurs in the legs, but can occasionally form in the pelvis, arms, or chest. If the clot (called a thrombus) remains within the vein, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood. If that happens, you’ll likely experience warmth, pain, and swelling in your leg.

Even though DVT impairs your circulation, it does not pose a serious risk unless a piece of the clot detaches itself. When that occurs, it will often travel upstream toward your heart and lungs, carried by your blood flow. If the traveling blood clot (called an embolus) reaches a pulmonary artery and becomes lodged within it, it will prevent blood from reaching your lung tissue. This condition is called pulmonary embolism, another Yasmin side effect. It is dangerous. One clot can cause permanent lung damage. Multiple clots can be potentially fatal.

Heart Attack And Stroke

Traveling blood clots caused by Yasmin can lead to other severe health risks. For example, if an embolus lodges within a coronary artery, it can prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching your heart. This will cause a heart attack. If the obstruction is not removed within a few hours, it will cause permanent damage to your heart. If the damage is acute or widespread, it will permanently impair your heart’s ability to pump blood.

If the embolus lodges within an artery that supplies blood to your brain, you might suffer a stroke. It will happen within three or four minutes of your brain being deprived of oxygen. Stroke can result in partial blindness, side-specific paralysis, speech problems, and memory loss. These side effects are usually permanent.

Gallstones And Yasmin Gallbladder Disease

Researchers also suspect that taking Yasmin birth control pills can affect your gall bladder in two distinct ways. First, the pills might increase the level of cholesterol within your body. The higher cholesterol content can find its way into bile that is stored within your gallbladder. That often results in gallstones.

Second, there is concern that Yaz reduces your gallbladder’s contractions. Because the contractions help push bile into the common bile duct, diminished activity results in bile remaining within your gallbladder. That causes inflammation, known as acute acalculous gallbladder disease.

The most common solution for women suffering gallstones or acute inflammation is to surgically remove the entire gallbladder. Unfortunately, doing so carries additional side effects.

Many women who have never shown a history of blood clots, gallbladder problems, or other health issues have experienced the Yasmin side effects described above. If you or someone you know has suffered from these side effects after taking this oral contraceptive, contact a Yasmin lawyer to discuss your legal rights.