Exploring the Links Between Yaz Blood Clots, Pulmonary Embolism and Stroke
The oral contraceptive Yaz has been linked to numerous side effects, including the related conditions of blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. But is there a clear cause and effect connection between these different conditions?
Patients who have experienced any of these serious Yasmin and Yaz side effects have consulted a Yaz lawyer to see if they are eligible to join the thousands of others throughout the country who have filed litigation.
Clots may cause Yaz pulmonary embolism or stroke
Both pulmonary embolism and stroke are caused by blood clots. Blood clots have proven to be a serious side effect of Yaz, affecting women who otherwise have no family history of blood clotting and were otherwise at low risk for developing such clots. Yaz blood clots may be reported in the legs, arms, heart, lungs or brain; they may lead to Yaz stroke or pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolism is the medical term for blood clots that occur in the lungs. Symptoms of the potentially life-threatening condition may include anxiety, fever, bloody cough and shortness of breath. Some people who experience the condition may require surgery to facilitate removal of the clot.
Yaz stroke
Yaz stroke may occur as the result of Yaz blood clots in the brain. A stroke may leave affected women unable to hear or see, unable to communicate with or comprehend others, and may cause the inability to move properly or control bladder and bowel functions. Such a stroke may require years of therapy, and victims may never fully recover.
Bellwether Yaz trials to be heard in September
After Judge Herndon of the Southern District of Illinois issued a stay in order to grant the parties more time to potentially settle suits, the Yaz bellwether trials are scheduled to begin next month, in September 2012. Thus far, the cases eligible for the multidistrict litigation involve injuries stemming Yaz blood clots, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and gallbladder disease.
As of July 19, 2012, Bayer has settled at least 1,877 cases involving blood clots and other Yaz side effects, paying out approximately $402.6 million.
A Bayer stockholders’ newsletter released earlier this month indicated that 12,325 Yaz lawsuits have been filed against the company. Should the cases continue to be settled at the current per plaintiff average payout, Bayer may be looking to pay more than $1.29 billion in Yaz settlements.
