Chemicals in Yaz Shown to Cause Hyperkalemia by FDA

Yaz (drosperinone & ethinyl estradiol) is a once-a-day birth control pill that was first approved by the FDA in March 2006 to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Drospirenone can increase blood potassium levels, known as hyperkalemia, which can result in the Yaz heart problems and other Yaz side effects. Individuals who have pre-existing kidney, liver and adrenal disease could be particularly susceptible. The judge presiding over every federal Yaz lawsuit and Yasmin lawsuit has declined to consolidate multiple cases during the early bellwether trials,

but indicates that the Court plans to push for “meaningful” settlement negotiations after the initial trials are held, which will help gauge how juries are likely to respond to evidence and testimony that may be similar to what would be presented in other cases in the litigation.

Known as a combined oral contraceptive, Yaz contains ethinyl estradiol (estrogen that affects the release of eggs) and drospirenone (progestin that interferes with the lining of the uterus).  Drospirenone is unique to Yaz, Yasmin and generic Ocella, making these newer birth control pills potentially more dangerous than other oral contraceptives. Hyperkalemia is only one of the danger side effects of the drosperinone containg birth control drug. Other health issues reported in relation to Yaz and Yasmin have been blood clots, pulmonary embolism, Gallbladder disease, and a condition known as Yaz DVT, or deep vein thrombosis.   

Plaintiffs’ attorneys recently asked Judge Herndon to consolidate several cases for the second and third trials, arguing that trying cases one plaintiff at a time would “commit this litigation to a lifespan of eternity.” Plaintiffs indicated that there has been no movement by Bayer towards a Yaz settlement agreement, and suggested that effeciences would be served by trying several cases at a time after the first bellwether trial. In an order issued August 18, Judge Herndon rejected this request and indicated that the second and third bellwether trials will proceed as originally contemplated and shall be individual plaintiffs. The Yaz litigation also involves cases filed over a newer version of the birth control pills, sold as Beyaz and Yasmin, as well as generic equivalents, such as Ocella and Gianvi.