Overview
YAZ® is a FDA-approved pharmaceutical product “for the prevention of pregnancy” and “for the treatment of symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of contraception.” YAZ®, YASMIN® and OCELLA® are combination oral contraceptives containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. OCELLA® is the generic formulation of YAZ®/YASMIN®.  

Progestin Drospirenone – Active Ingredient in YAZ®,YASMIN® and OCELLA®
YAZ®,YASMIN®, and OCELLA® contain the active ingredient progestin drospirenone which affects the body’s normal balance of electrolytes and regulation of water (hydration). In particular, progestin drospirenone is thought to increase the levels of potassium, an essential electrolyte. Some theorize that this increase in potassium levels leads to dehydration which in turn results in an increased risk of developing blood clots.

Thromboembolic Risk Associated with YAZ®, YASMIN®, and OCELLA
Epidemiological studies demonstrate that the use of oral contraceptives is associated with a significantly increased risk of blood clots and related disorders/injuries. Two studies recently published in the prestigious British Medical Journal conclude that oral contraceptives that contain drospirenone (such as YAZ®,YASMIN® and OCELLA®) carry a significantly higher risk of developing venous thrombosis. In one study, the risk was 6.3 times greater for women using drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives than for women not using oral contraceptives.  

The Increased Risk of Clotting and Related Disorders
The risk of blood clots and associated injuries/disorders is greater among users of oral contraceptives than it is among non-users. In the case of YAZ®,YASMIN® and OCELLA®, because they contain a pharmaceutical ingredient (progestin drospirenone) that increases potassium levels, some have theorized that this increases the risk of developing blood clots. Blood clotting can lead to such injuries as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack and stroke. 

The risk of blood clots and serious cardiovascular side effects from the use of oral contraceptives is even greater among smokers. This additional risk increases with heavy smoking, particularly among women who are over 35 years of age.

Injuries Associated with Blood Clotting
Blood clotting creates blockages in the circulatory system. These blockages can hinder the normal flow of blood and thereby increasing the risk of heart attack (blood flow to heart is reduced) and stroke (blood flow to the brain is reduced). Blood clotting can also result in the release of a blood clot (embolus) into the circulatory system that can migrate to the lungs – a pulmonary embolism – that can also cause serious injury and death.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury which you think is related to the use of YAZ®,YASMIN® and OCELLA® and would like us to review the situation, please complete our E-Contact form HERE