Canadian Women’s Lawsuit Accuses Bayer of Hiding YAZ, Yasmin Risks
By Jim Greene
Published on April 26, 2010
Two Canadian women have filed a class action lawsuit accusing drug maker Bayer AG of hiding health risks of its YAZ® and Yasmin® oral contraceptives. The women say they suffered adverse side effects after taking YAZ®, and are seeking C$500,000 ($487,000) for each woman for whom the contraceptives have been prescribed, in addition to punitive damages.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Christine Lovelace and Jennifer Demunnik in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Lovelace suffered a mini-stroke that temporarily paralyzed her left side and left her unable to communicate, according to the suit, and still suffers hand and foot nerve damage. Demunnik claims taking YAZ® caused her to develop gallstones, requiring the removal of her gallbladder.
Plaintiffs Say Bayer Knew about Health Issues
Aside from their own health problems, the plaintiffs complain Bayer knew or should have known that YAZ® and Yasmin® users are four times more likely to suffer from deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism than users of other contraceptives. Critics have blamed Bayer's proprietary use of the synthetic progestin drospirenone, which has also been blamed for increasing potassium levels in the blood, possibly leading to irregular heart rhythm.
Bayer countered that medical risks are rare and common to all contraceptives using a combination of progestin and estrogen, not just YAZ® and Yasmin®. The company said the risks have been pointed out in studies sponsored by Bayer and are well documented in prescribing information for all such contraceptives.
More than 1,000 YAZ/Yasmin Lawsuits Filed in U.S.
In the United States, more than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed over alleged health risks associated with YAZ® and Yasmin®, including heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and gallbladder disease.
If you or someone you know has developed health problems after taking YAZ® or Yasmin® oral contraceptives, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. Cases have been consolidated in federal and state courts in an attempt to speed up proceedings. Your attorney will have access to the latest information that could affect your eligibility to receive financial compensation.
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