Yaz & Yasmin Side Effects

Due to the increased risk of blood clots faced by users of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, women who are prescribed these pills may be at an increased risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular side effects compared to women who use other birth control products. According to two studies published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), women using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella are twice as likely to develop blood clots as those using another popular birth control pill.

The manufacturer of Yaz and Yasmin has warned that drospirenone (DRSP), one of the hormones contained in these pills, can increase in the amount of potassium in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Because high levels of potassium can cause the heart to beat irregularly, women who suffer hyperkalemia after using Yaz or Yasmin may be at risk of a serious heart attack.

The increased blood clot risk experienced by Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella patients may also increase their risk of other related side effects, including stroke, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Due to the diuretic effects of DRSP, users of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella may also face an increased risk of gallbladder disease, kidney problems or renal failure.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to the manufacturer of Yaz and Yasmin. The letter faulted the company for a series of Yaz advertisements which the agency said failed to properly warn women of the “serious, even life-threatening” side effects they could suffer from taking Yaz. The FDA requested that the company begin airing a new ad campaign to alert women about the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis(DVTs), pulmonary embolism and other side effects associated with Yaz.