The FDA ordered Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals to correct their advertising of its Yaz and Yasmin birth control pill line in 2008. The FDA took the action after Bayer’s national ad campaign failed to adequately warn doctors and consumers of the potential side effects and exaggerated the supposed benefits. Now Bayer faces lawsuits accusing them of downplaying the risks associated with the popular line of birth control pills.
Popularity of the Yaz line means big profits for Bayer. The deceptive advertising is another eggregious example of corporate disregard for the safety of the consumers buying the product in the name of profits. Let the consuming public beware!
What are the problems/side affects of taking Yaz? My grandaughter is taking it and now she has severe abdominal pain. I am very concerned so I hope that you write back soon.
thanks
Elaine,
I am sorry to hear about your granddaughter’s troubles. According the Bayer’s website Yaz is associated with side effects such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, lawsuits pending against the manufacturers of Yaz claim that the drug is linked to increased risk of serious, life-threatening injuries including blood clot, stroke, heart attack and death. Here is some additional info from the FDA: “There are numerous warnings associated with the use of YAZ including, but not limited to, venous and arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic events (such as myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, stroke), hepatic neoplasia, gallbladder disease, and hypertension.Moreover, YAZhas additional risks because it contains the progestin, drospirenone. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid properties which can lead to hyperkalemia in high risk patients, which may result in potentially serious heart and health problems. Women taking YAZ must be concerned about the drug interactions that could increase potassium, in addition to the drug interactions common to all combination oral contraceptives.” It is always a good idea to have your granddaughter check with her prescribing doctor about her condition to determine if it might be associated with taking Yaz. Best of luck!
Mike