Grimm v. Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The plaintiffs April Grimm and her spouse allege that the defendant designed, manufactured, and sold a dangerous product – Yasmin and Yaz – that caused her to suffer extreme health consequences including deep vein thrombosis. The complaint charges Bayer with failing to warn about the Yaz blood clots risk for those who take the popular birth control pills. According to court documents, the failure to disclose such risks prevented the claimant and her health care providers from properly assessing the possible dangers of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives such as Yasmin and Yaz.

Allegations raised in Yaz DVT lawsuit

The Polk County, Iowa plaintiffs say that due to April’s exposure to Yaz and Yasmin birth controls over a period of time, she has incurred severe personal injuries resulting from her deep vein thrombosis. These complications have caused her pain and suffering and resulted in lost income as well as significant medical costs. DVT is a serious condition where a thrombus or blood clot develops in the deep veins of the body – usually in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, redness and mild to moderate pain. If the clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, the results can be fatal, especially if this clot blocks oxygen-rich blood flow to the lungs. Known as a pulmonary embolism, this complication can be deadly, and is always a threat to individuals with deep vein thrombosis.

Blood clot-related injuries are not uncommon among women who take Yaz and Yasmin, and a growing number of patients like April Grimm are holding Bayer liable for failure to warn about Yaz blood clot risks.

In April 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a safety communication advising both physicians and consumers about the potential risks of pills formulated with drospirenone. Specifically, the agency noted that “Based on presently available information on Yasmin, DRSP-containing COCs may be associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than COCs containing the progestin levonorgestrel or some other progestins…”

Clinical studies and post-market reports have indicated that blood clot risks may be three times greater among women who take Yasmin and Yaz compared to those on older birth control pills.  At present, treatment for deep vein thrombosis typically involves a course of anticoagulants like warfarin or heparin for up to three months to help prevent clots from increasing in size.

Bayer continues to pay out Yaz lawsuit settlements

The Grimms’ Yaz DVT lawsuit joins thousands of others that were consolidated as multidistrict litigation in Illinois district court. As of May 2013, more than 11,000 claims were pending in MDL 2100, which is being presided over by Judge David R. Herndon.

Last year, Judge Herndon ordered mediation in the best interest of plaintiffs. Bayer has already settled more than 4,000 cases, and has paid out an estimated $1 billion in settlements for plaintiffs who suffered Yaz blood clot problems such as stroke, DVT, and pulmonary embolism. The pharmaceutical giant also created a Yaz Gallbladder Resolution Fund, to compensate women who developed gallbladder disease while taking the pills.

April and Jamie Grimm are seeking actual, compensatory, and punitive damages from Bayer, and Jamie has brought additional claims for loss of spousal consortium.

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Yasmin lawsuit allegations

Plaintiff Kara Mitchell was prescribed the oral contraceptive Yasmin in August 2008. On March 27, 2009, she suffered from sphenoid sinus opacification (chronic sinus infections) and vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel) on April 6, 2009. The plaintiff claims her injuries were a direct result of using Yasmin, and that had the product label warnings been sufficient, she would have used other birth control options on the market that did not carry risk of Yasmin side effects such as:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Death

What is the plaintiff suing for?

Had the plaintiff or her health care providers understood the risks associated with the product, she would have never used the drug or suffered from the subsequent bilateral pulmonary embolism, according to the complaint. Symptoms of a bilateral pulmonary embolism range from chest pain and shortness of breath, to bloody coughs and weakness. The plaintiff claims she suffered mental anguish and emotional distress due to her prognosis, and is burdened with physical limitations and ongoing pain.

The ten causes of action listed in the case include: defective manufacturing, design defect, inadequate warning, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and deceit. As a result, plaintiff Kara Mitchell is suing for an excess of $75,000, plus interest and fees.

Is there a history of trouble with Yaz & Yasmin?

This is not the first time Bayer Pharmaceuticals has found itself facing a Yaz or Yasmin lawsuit. The drug Yasmin was first FDA-approved as an oral contraceptive in 2001, with Yaz soon to follow in 2006. These pills work by using estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation, fertilization, and pregnancy.

Unlike other combined hormone pills on the market, these two particular drugs contain drospirenone, a “fourth generation” progestin. It is believed that drospirenone can cause increased potassium levels in the blood, which – if left untreated – can disturb the heart, blood flow, cause clotting, and possibly even trigger a stroke or sudden death. There were 50 reports of death associated with the drug from 2004 to 2008.

The FDA warned that there was no evidence to support the claim that drospirenone was any more efficient or safer than other pills on the market. In a July 2003 warning letter, the agency wrote, “On the contrary, FDA is aware of the added clinical risks associated with drospirenone.”

In October 2008, the FDA issued another warning, notifying the manufacturer that their advertisements for Yaz and Yasmin pills failed “to communicate that the potential to increase potassium is a risk” or that “increased serum potassium can be dangerous.”

Bayer agreed to submit all their ads through the FDA for preapproval for a six-year period and pay for $20 million in corrective TV ads. They changed their product label to include several risks associated with increased blood potassium in April 2010. Yet, there was no warning of thromboembolism. The labels were deemed inadequate and revised again in April 2012 to reflect an increased risk in blood clots.

More injured plaintiffs seek help from a Yaz lawyer

Five plaintiffs brought cases alleging deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a California court in March. They are citing an April 2002 study published in the British Medical Journal reporting that the Dutch College of General Practitioners recommended that patients use older birth control pills because of 40 cases of blood clots among women taking Yaz and Yasmin.

In April, a plaintiff from Georgia and a plaintiff from Alabama added their deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism complaints to the litany of Yaz & Yasmin lawsuit actions against the manufacturer.

All these women claim they were not adequately notified of the risks associated with the product, and that the defendant unnecessarily subjected them to life-threatening danger due to defective manufacturing, along with deceptive marketing.

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The plaintiffs hail from states across the country, including Ohio, Arizona, Kansas and New Jersey. The women have filed their complaint in Superior Court, San Francisco County, because the defendant, Bayer Corporation, has its principle place of business in California. By filing in California, plaintiffs were also able to add counts to their Yaz lawsuit that directly applied to California law, including violations of business and professions codes and violation of California civil code.

Complaint lists numerous Yaz side effects

Two of the plaintiffs, Randi Hodges and Stephanie Cook, allege use of the oral contraceptive led to deep vein thrombosis caused by Yaz. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg. If the blood clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, where it could result in a pulmonary embolism. This potentially life-threatening condition cuts off blood circulation to the lungs and requires emergency medical attention.

Three of the plaintiffs, Jill Hopper, Anna Pearson and Paula Crawford, suffered a pulmonary embolism after taking Yaz, which required medical treatment and ongoing monitoring.  The final three plaintiffs, Dana Rolo-Dalfonzo, Chasity Patton and Janet Carter, all suffered a stroke after using the oral contraceptive. All eight of the plaintiffs state in the complaint that they continue to endure physical and mental suffering and diminished enjoyment of life since their Yaz injuries.

Plaintiffs had no previous history of blood clot disorders

Like other women who have filed Yaz lawsuits against Bayer, these eight plaintiffs had no prior history of blood clots or other medical problems before taking the oral contraceptive. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed across the country by women who were young and in good health when they developed serious, and potentially fatal medical conditions. Some women have died from their injuries, leaving their survivors to seek legal compensation for their loss of a beloved family member.

Yaz was first approved by the FDA in 2006 as a means of oral contraception. The product was also highly touted by its manufacturer as effective for treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and acne. The FDA took exception to the claims, telling Bayer the company had overstated the benefits of its products, while underplaying the potential risks. Yaz remains on the market, despite the thousands of claims that have been filed against Bayer involving debilitating side effects in recent years.

In this Yaz lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege Bayer failed to adequately warn women about the dangers of the drug. Instead, the company continues to actively market the contraceptive, knowing women who use the product will be subject to risk. The plaintiffs state that Bayer’s conduct was “despicable, and so contemptible it would be looked down upon and despised by ordinary, decent people.” The plaintiffs are seeking general, punitive, exemplary, economic and special damages from Bayer to compensate them for their injuries, suffering and economic loss.

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The appeals court reversed an earlier decision handed down in Nevada federal court, and determined that Bayer’s patent on the oral contraceptive was not valid. The drug patent in question expires next year, on June 30, 2014. A spokesperson for Bayer, Astrid Kranz, said of the verdict, “We disagree with the court’s ruling and are evaluating our options.”

Yaz litigation continues to unfold

Yaz was approved for sale in the United States in 2006, and is a re-formulated version of its older pill, Yasmin. Both contain a fourth-generation hormone known as drospirenone that has been linked to higher risks of blood clots. In April 2012, the FDA updated Bayer’s Yaz and Yasmin warning labels, indicating a heightened risk of blood clots from Yaz. Medical research has shown that these risks may be three times greater than for women who use older versions of birth control pills. Blood clot- related injuries cited among plaintiffs include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Yaz litigation has been centralized in the Southern District of Illinois where drug manufacturer Bayer has agreed to settlements of more than $400 million to resolve an estimated 6,000 Yaz side effects claims.

The products liability multidistrict litigation has consolidated federal Yaz lawsuits alleging severe and, sometimes fatal injuries. Women of all ages have used Yaz and Yasmin as their primary form of birth control. In one recent case, the mother of an 18-year old woman who died of blood clots from Yaz  filed suit against Bayer. The decedent – a young college student – suffered a deadly pulmonary embolism attributed to Yaz, when a blood clot formed and traveled to her lungs.  Other Yasmin and Yaz side effects alleged by plaintiffs include gallbladder disease, cerebral hemorrhage, liver cancer, breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke.

FDA warns of blood clot risks linked to Yaz

On April 10, 2013, upon its review of epidemiologic studies regarding the risk of blood clots in women taking drospirenone-containing pills, the FDA issued a safety communication alerting consumers as to the dangers of blood clot clots from Yaz. The three-fold increase in risk is now noted on the product labels and women are further encouraged to speak with their health care providers about potential side effects and risks before taking the medication. The pills are sold under a variety of brand and generic names including: Ocella, Gianvi, Loryna, Zarah and Vestura.

Yaz was also approved to treat pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In the wake of media coverage highlighting Yaz lawsuit settlements and serious injuries associated with the pills, sales of the oral contraceptives have taken a nose dive. Legal analysts speculate that future Yaz litigation and settlements could cost Bayer more than $1 billion. The Yasmin and Yaz MDL is the country’s largest consolidated litigation and is being overseen by the Honorable Judge David. R. Herndon.

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The case was filed by a Yaz lawyer on behalf of Tara McLaney Stanley and Jessica Carlton. It is currently proceeding in the Superior Court of California in San Francisco. Stanley is a citizen of Alabama and Carlton resides in Georgia. The Superior Court of California has jurisdiction because the defendants conducted business in that state.

Plaintiffs allege blood clots from Yaz

The defendants manufactured birth control pills that are combined oral contraceptives (COCs), including Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz, and Ocella. Both of these plaintiffs were prescribed a COC product and took it as directed. Stanley and Carlton were later diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal complication that has been allegedly linked to fourth generation pills such as Yasmin and Yaz. DVT occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, develops in the deep veins. This most often occurs in the legs. When symptoms occur, they can include:

• Swelling in the limb
• Pain
• Warmth on the area
• Skin discoloration

This Yaz DVT lawsuit notes that the condition has the potential to cause other, serious complications. If the blood clots from Yaz break free from the vein in the leg, they can travel to the lungs. This is referred to as a pulmonary embolism, and it blocks blood flow in an artery.Without prompt treatment, this condition can cause death. Some of the possible symptoms of a pulmonary embolism may include:

• Chest pain
• Cough with bloody discharge
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting or lightheadedness
• Weak pulse

Other plaintiffs claim serious side effects

Many other plaintiffs have filed a similar Yaz DVT lawsuit that claims blood clot injuries from Yaz. Bayer has already paid over $1 billion in settlements to plaintiffs who developed pulmonary embolisms as an alleged result of taking the birth control pills. Other serious side effects have also been alleged, including gallbladder problems. Bayer recently agreed to a Yaz settlement of up to $24 million for plaintiffs who suffered gallbladder disease linked to the contraceptive. In addition to gallbladder problems, pulmonary embolism, and DVT, other side effects that have been allegedly linked to the COC product include:

• Stroke
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Heart attack
• Blindness
• Hypertension
• Cerebral hemorrhage

Yaz, Yasmin, and other COC products are unique among birth control pills because they contain drospirenone, which is unlike other progestins that have previously been marketed in the U.S. According to the complaint, the formulation of these birth control pills means that they pose a unique and unreasonable health risk.

Numerous adverse events have been reported to the FDA. From 2004 to 2008, there were more than 50 reports of deaths among those taking a COC product, including deaths in some users as young as 17 years of age. These fatalities were attributed to cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and related complications.

Yaz lawyer claims deceit by concealment

The Yaz DVT lawsuit filed by Stanley and Carlton alleges deceit by concealment in that the defendants reportedly concealed the potential risks of the COC products from the plaintiffs and their healthcare providers. While doing so, the defendants conducted an extensive marketing campaign in an allegedly deceptive manner. The claim also adopts counts of failure to warn, fraud, negligence, and manufacturing defect. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for medical expenses and loss of wages, as well as punitive damages.

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The company has already paid out more than $1 billion in Yaz settlements to women who suffered pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. However, they have previously denied the contraceptives have any link to gallbladder disease. A number of women involved in the litigation say they required surgery to remove their gallbladders. Bayer has insisted that neither Yasmin or Yaz carries a greater risk of gallbladder problems than any other oral contraceptive.

The birth control pills have garnered criticism from doctors and patients around the world since their launch. Bayer has been on the receiving end of numerous warnings from the FDA about both Yaz and Yasmin. In addition to the claims of gallbladder disease and blood clot related injuries, serious side effects cited in lawsuits include kidney disorders and uncontrollable bleeding in the uterus.

Individual payments may be less than $2k

Because Bayer has capped it’s total payout sum at $24 million, each individual Yasmin or Yaz lawsuit settlement agreement is unlikely to exceed $3,000 for women who had to have their gallbladder removed. Women who suffered gallbladder disease that did not require removal surgery can expect to receive around $2,000 each. That figure could be less if the total figure of Yasmin and Yaz settlements exceeds the $24 million, with reductions being made on a pro-rata basis.

The agreement was reached after negotiations between Bayer and a committee of lawyers representing women who had filed lawsuits against the company. Proceedings were overseen by Special Master Stephen Saltzburg, who also applied the settlement to cases filed in New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania and other state courts involving plaintiffs who allegedly suffered gallbladder disease after using Yasmin or Yaz.

FDA ordered 2012 review

Both Yaz and Yasmin contain the progestin drospirenone, a synthetic compound that prevents ovulation. In May 2012, the FDA conducted a review of all birth control pills containing drospirenone. The aim was to evaluate the risks associated with Yaz and Yasmin, and especially the development of blood clots that can result in venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that allows blood clots to travel from the feet and hands to the heart or lungs.

Women who have filed Yaz lawsuits relating to VTE and gallbladder injuries must opt-in by April 29 to participate in the Yasmin and Yaz settlements (though a 30-day extension can be requested).

Annual Bayer report reveals total payouts of $1 billion

In other Yaz litigation news, an annual report released by Bayer claims the company has paid out more than a billion dollars to settle 4,800 claims involving blood clot injuries. The allegations included in the settlements are strongly supported by a number of studies, including a Dutch report published in the British Medical Journal in 2011 that confirmed women taking drospirenone may double their risk for VTE compared to women on other types of progestin. The research was far reaching, looking at over a million women between 2001 and 2008, 3,000 of whom reported VTE.

Yaz litigation has already been consolidated in federal court in the Southern District of Illinois. Yaz settlements related to VTE have amounted to an average of $200,000 per claim.

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Plaintiffs claim to have suffered from deep vein thrombosis

According to court documents, each of the five women resides in a different state, and alleges injuries stemming from the use of Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella.

1. Roxanne Campbell, who resides in Florida, claims that after using the products, she suffered from venous thromboembolism and related health complications that require continuing treatment and medical monitoring.
2. Gabriele Dean, a resident of Colorado, alleges to have suffered deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and related health complications requiring continued monitoring and treatment.
3. Marla Hoffman of Ohio, claims to have suffered DVT and related problems.
4. Suzanne Landry-Harmon, from Louisiana, says she has developed DVT and related problems.
5. Dawn Meadows, a resident of Indiana, claims to have suffered DVT and other health issues.

All five women contend that manufacturer Bayer should have known that the use of their birth control products could cause deep vein thrombosis, and that it was unreasonably dangerous.

Yaz side effects lawsuit describes how drospirenone works in the body

The plaintiffs note in their complaint that Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella contain the fourth-generation progestin called “drospirenone,” which functions differently in the body than older progestins used in other contraceptives.

For instance, drospirenone causes an increase in potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. Untreated, hyperkalemia can cause heart rhythm disturbances, gallbladder complications, and kidney problems. Heart rhythm disturbances can also lead to a slower blood flow through the heart, which increases the risk of blood clots that can then lead to heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

This Yaz side effects lawsuit also notes several scientific studies that have shown birth control pills containing drospirenone increase a patient’s risk of blood clots. As early as April 2002, the British Medical Journal reported that the Dutch College of General Practitioners recommended patients use older pills because of 40 cases of blood clots among women taking Yaz and Yasmin.

Patients seek Yaz lawsuit settlements or jury awards

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition cited frequently in Yaz claims against Bayer. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body. If that blood clot then breaks off and travels to another critical organ, it can lead to pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

According to a 2011 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the use of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives was associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. That same year, the British Medical Journal also reported that birth control pills like Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella put woman at two times the risk of developing blood clots compared to women who used older pills that did not contain drospirenone.

The plaintiffs in this Yaz side effects lawsuit bring counts of failure to warn, manufacturing defect, negligence, breach of warranties, deceit by concealment, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud.

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Despite the news of these Yaz lawsuit settlements, Bayer still faces thousands of plaintiffs alleging complications from the oral contraceptives. Most women claim to have suffered from blood clots and related health problems like pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke, while some also claim to have experienced gallbladder disease after taking the pills.

In April 2012, the FDA required updated warnings on Yaz, Yasmin, and other birth control pills containing the progestin “drospirenone” to alert patients and physicians to the risks of blood clots and related complications.

Despite Yaz settlements, thousands of cases still pending

Bayer goes on to note in its report that as of February 12, 2013, the number of lawsuits pending in the U.S. was about 10,000, while an additional 1,200 claims were pending that have not been filed in court. The number of individuals alleging personal injuries totals about 13,600, excluding those who have already received Yaz settlements.

Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Bayer seek Yasmin settlements or jury awards to compensate them for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Most claim that Bayer knew or should have known about the alleged risks, and should have done more to warn patients and physicians.

Plaintiffs seeking Yaz lawsuit settlements or jury awards in state court

On October 1, 2009, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal Yaz and Yasmin lawsuits into one court in the Southern District of Illinois. Since then, the number of lawsuits has mushroomed, and now hundreds have also been centralized in state courts, including those in Pennsylvania, California, and New Jersey. Canada also has 13 class action lawsuits pending against Bayer as of February 12, 2013.

Initially, the MDL court was working toward bellwether trials, but in 2011, the court stayed the first case set and ordered the parties to mediation. That started the move toward Yaz lawsuit settlements, but only in cases alleging blood clot injuries. According to Bayer’s report, “Bayer is only settling claims in the U.S. for venous clot injuries (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) after a case-specific analysis of medical records on a rolling basis. Such injuries are alleged by about 3,200 of pending unsettled claimants. Bayer will consider the option of settling individual lawsuits in the U.S. on a case-by-case basis.”

Additional lawsuits expected

Bayer anticipates that more plaintiffs will bring claims against the company in the future, and states that the company will continue to “defend itself vigorously against all claims that are not considered for settlement.” Plaintiffs who have been injured by the oral contraceptives may still be eligible to file claims, and are advised to seek the counsel of a Yaz lawyer for guidance.

Meanwhile, the Yaz and Yasmin MDL has become the largest consolidated litigation in the U.S., surpassing asbestos litigation.

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Claimants file a joint Yaz gallbladder lawsuit

Plaintiffs allege that Yaz and Yasmin are associated with an increased risk of complications including blood clots, cardiac arrest, gallbladder disease and stroke.  In 2003, the British Medical Journal reported Yasmin as the cause of thromboembolism resulting in death.  Two recent studies found a significantly increased risk of stroke among Yaz and Yasmin users.  One of these studies, published in the British Medical Journal in August 2009, concluded that Yaz and Yasmin users have twice the risk of a clotting event than users of other oral contraceptives.  Between 2004 and 2008, over 50 reports of death among users of Yaz and Yasmin were reported to the FDA.

The lawsuit further alleges that Bayer Pharmaceuticals ignored these studies, and instead aggressively promoted Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella.   Bayer Pharmaceuticals is alleged to have overstated the efficacy of the drugs in advertisements, and to have promoted off label use of the drugs to treat acne.  On October 3, 2008, the FDA sent Bayer Pharmaceuticals a warning letter, stating that  Bayer’s “TV Ads misleadingly overstate the efficacy of the drug.”

Women seek compensation for Yaz injuries

In previous lawsuits seeking compensation for Yaz injuries, women who have taken the birth control pills have suffered blood clots, pulmonary embolism and stroke as alleged Yaz side effects.  Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella are different from other combined hormonal oral contraceptives because they contain drospirenone, which is a “fourth generation” progestin.  Plaintiffs allege that fourth generation progestins like drospirenone do not have decades of data to support their safety and effectiveness, and also have been associated with dangerous side effects, such as heart rhythm disturbances, blood clots, stroke and death.

In this Yaz gallbladder lawsuit, all of the plaintiffs have undergone gallbladder removal surgery as the alleged result of taking Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. Plaintiffs further claim that Bayer Pharmaceuticals knew or should have known that Yaz side effects include not only blood clots, pulmonary embolism stroke and even death, but also include gallbladder disease.   According to court documents, had the plaintiffs been aware that gallbladder disease was a possible complication of taking Yaz or Yasmin, they would have chosen an alternative oral contraceptive.

The plaintiffs in this legal complaint claim to have endured pain, suffering and severe emotional distress from their injuries.  They all seek actual damages and punitive damages as compensation for Yaz injuries.  Their team of attorneys adopt multiple counts against Bayer including strict products liability – manufacturing defect, failure to warn, negligence, fraud and breach of express and implied warranties. The claimants are demanding a trial by jury.

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The plaintiffs claim that after their daughter took Yaz birth control pills, she suffered serious injuries that have significantly affected her quality of life. They are seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages.

Yaz lawsuit claims drug caused patient to suffer a stroke

According to their Yaz lawsuit, the Morris’ daughter was prescribed Yaz by her physician on July 13, 2012. Instead of the brand-name drug, however, she was given “Gianvi,” a generic equivalent.

Ms. Morris continued taking generic Yaz, but on August 5, 2012, her pharmacy began filling her prescriptions with the brand-name drug as opposed to a generic. Only a few months later, in October 2012, she developed a blood clot in her left leg, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She subsequently suffered a stroke because of that blood clot.

Following the stroke, Ms. Morris sustained severe personal injuries, including vision loss, loss of right-sided voluntary muscle control, pain, suffering and emotional distress.

Studies indicate Yaz may increase risk of stroke

A Dutch study published in August 2009 found that women taking oral contraceptives made with the progestin “drospirenone,” like Yaz, Yasmin, and Gianvi, were nearly seven times more likely to develop serious blood clots compared to women not taking the pill.

In October 2011, the FDA released a drug-safety study report that indicated oral contraceptives containing drospirenone were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as blood clots, DVT, heart attack, and ischemic stroke. Scientists noted that the increased risk of these health complications were observed both during the early stages of using the birth control pills, as well as during the time of 6-12 months after initial use.

A 2012 study in the journal Contraception indicated that women using oral contraceptives that contain drospirenone may be at increased risk of developing arterial blockages and blood clots compared with women who used conventional combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). Another study published in June 2012 in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that women who take birth control pills like Yaz and Yasmin, have an increased risk of suffering a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.“There is a great deal of concern and confusion among women and their health care providers regarding the safety of these newer preparations relative to older CHCs,” the authors wrote.

Women suffer from blood clots and deep vein thrombosis

Manufacturer Bayer currently has over 12,000 lawsuits pending concerning Yasmin and Yaz side effects, with women alleging injuries like stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, and gallbladder disease. The company has already negotiated Yaz settlements in about 3,500 of those cases, and continues to pursue mediation in the MDL.

In April 2012, the FDA required Bayer and other makers of contraceptives with drospirenone to update warning labels to more accurately communicate the risks. The plaintiffs in this Yaz lawsuit bring counts of breach of warranty, failure to warn, and defective design.

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Women experience serious Yaz side effects

Stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism are three of the life-threatening side effects linked to the use of Yaz. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when the blood thickens and forms clots, usually in the legs. This is a serious condition, as the clots can break off and travel to the lungs. Once in the lungs, they block blood flow and increase the risk of death. Stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries in the brain or when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts. Stroke causes the death of brain cells, resulting in a loss of ability to perform tasks controlled by the affected area of the brain.

Although medical professionals cannot definitively link a person’s use of this drug with a life-threatening complication, research indicates a link between the use of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella and an increased risk for blood clots and pulmonary embolism. A small Danish study found that women were approximately six times more likely to experience a blood clot in the leg if they were taking an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone.

Women who have experienced complications such as stroke or pulmonary embolism while using Yaz have contacted qualified attorneys to determine if they are eligible to seek compensation for Yaz injuries.

Gallbladder disease among possible Yaz side effects

Use of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella has also been linked to gallbladder disease. People with gallbladder disease may also develop gallstones, which can block the bile duct and increase the risk for pancreatitis. The symptoms of gallbladder disease include nausea and vomiting, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, pain that radiates behind the breastbone or under the shoulder blades, chills and fever. Researchers suspect that the increased hormone levels in women who take these contraceptives may play a role in the development of this disease. Higher estrogen levels may cause a person’s cholesterol level to increase, which is one of the risk factors for gallbladder disease.

Drospirenone possible culprit in Yaz blood clots

Researchers suspect that the drospirenone used in Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella may be to blame for the increased risk of complications associated with these drugs. Drospirenone is a synthetic hormone that combats some of the effects of increased estrogen levels. Its ability to counteract these effects is what makes it possible for the drug to prevent bloating, reduce blood pressure, and relieve other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Bayer stands behind safety of Yaz

Although Bayer changed the labels of Yaz and Yasmin in 2010, the company still contends that the small research studies that showed the increased risk of blood clots and other complications while using Yaz were not as reliable on older studies on the link between oral contraceptives and blood clots. Despite its claims about alleged Yaz side effects, the company has settled more than 50 lawsuits and expects more to be forthcoming. A number of plaintiffs are seeking compensation for Yaz injuries, so more cases may be settled in the future.

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According to her complaint, the plaintiff took Yaz, Yasmin, or Ocella, and later suffered a stroke on February 17, 2011. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on June 14, 2012, women who take birth control products like Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella have an increased risk of suffering a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.

The plaintiff claims that manufacturer Bayer failed to provide adequate warnings about the health risks associated with their products. She seeks general, economic, punitive, and exemplary damages.

Bayer negotiates settlements of around $214,000 per Yaz lawsuit

Bayer is currently defending over 12,000 lawsuits alleging injuries from their birth control pills Yasmin and Yaz. So far, they have negotiated Yaz settlements in about 3,500 of those cases, with an average of nearly $214,000 per case. Plaintiffs filing these claims have alleged injuries like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.

In the summer of 2012, settlement negotiations began in the Yaz MDL in the Southern District of Illinois, and they are expected to continue until the summer of 2013. Meanwhile, state cases are also pending in centralized proceedings in Philadelphia and New Jersey, in addition to California coordination for Yaz lawsuits.

Yaz litigation news includes FDA warnings

The FDA approved Yaz for use as a birth control option in 2006 (Yasmin was approved in 2001). Bayer marketed the medicine as a helpful treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), even though the drug had been shown to ease symptoms only of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a different condition, and had not been evaluated for the treatment of PMS.

In October 2008, the FDA sent the company a warning letter, stating, “the TV ads misleadingly suggest that Yaz  is appropriate for treating women with PMS…. We note that despite listing certain symptoms of PMDD, nowhere do the TV ads use the full phrase ‘premenstrual dysphoric disorder,’ to more completely distinguish PMDD from PMS….”

The FDA went on to admonish Bayer for suggesting Yaz improved acne of all severities, when that was not the case. They asked Bayer to immediately stop airing the TV ads and disseminating the other promotional materials, and come up with a plan to “disseminate truthful, non-misleading, and complete corrective messages about the issues discussed in this letter to the audience that received the violative promotional materials.”

Yaz lawsuit number expected to increase

Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella use what is called a “fourth-generation” progestin, named “drospirenone.” Unlike older pills that contain levonorgestrel, Yaz was considered a new and better formula that would not only prevent pregnancy, but deliver other benefits such as reducing moderate acne and easing symptoms of PMDD.

Scientific studies, however, linked drospirenone with a higher risk of blood clots and related injuries. Research published in 2011 in the British Medical Journal, for example, concluded that the risk of blood clots among women taking drospirenone was about twice that of those taking levonorgestrel. A second study published in the same journal concluded that oral contraceptives containing drospirenone carried a higher risk of blood clots than those containing levonorgestrel.

In April 2012, the FDA announced that a recent review of observational studies showed that drospirenone-containing birth control pills may be associated with a higher risk of blood clots than pills that contained other types of progestins. At that time, they required makers of these products to update their labels with new warnings reflecting these results.

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Bayer’s birth control pills have come under fire from doctors and patients around the world since first hitting the market, and the company has received numerous warnings from the FDA about their Yaz and Yasmin pills. While some patients only experience the sort of cramping and nausea usually associated with oral contraceptives, more serious Yasmin side effects include kidney disorders, uncontrollable uterine bleeding, gallbladder disease and pulmonary embolisms like the one cited in the most recent Yaz lawsuit.

Both Yas and Yasmin contain the progestin drospirenone, a synthetic compound that prevents ovulation. The only difference between the two is the dosage: Yaz contains 24 active and 4 inactive pills, while Yasmin contains the more common 21 active and 7 inactive pills.

Yaz withdrawn in European markets

An increasing number of European countries have criticized both the Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills. In France, pharmacists have stopped reimbursing the cost of prescriptions, after Bayer was sued for an undisclosed sum of money.

The FDA announced a review of all oral contraceptives containing drospirenone in May 2012. The review analysed and evaluated the likelihood and seriousness of side effects associated with the drugs. They found the major risk is the development of blood clots that can lead to venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that causes clots to travel from the hands and feet to the heart and lungs.

The FDA also fined Bayer for an overly ‘slick’ advertising campaign that suggested Yaz was a cure-all for a wide range of female menstrual conditions, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a condition in which women suffer severe depression, irritability and PMS.

Yasmin and Yaz settlements already reached

Bayer has already settled 3,490 Yaz lawsuits in the U.S., amounting to a total compensation payout of more than $750 million. The cases alleged Bayer’s products caused blood clots in the plaintiffs, and similar injuries are cited in more than 3,800 other lawsuits, most of which are still pending. Despite the inherent dangers, both name brands and generic versions of Yaz and Yasmin remain on U.S. markets.

Risk of VTE may be doubled

A Dutch study published in the British Medical Journal in 2011 seemed to confirm the link between Yaz and pulmonary embolism, stating that women taking drospirenone could double their risk for VTE when compared to women taking levonorgestrel, an older type of progestin. The research looked at over a million women between 2001 and 2008, finding at least 3,000 confirmed cases of VTE.

Plaintiff joins consolidated Yaz litigation in California

This latest Yaz lawsuit is just one of many which have been centralized in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. The coordinated proceedings merge cases involving similar allegations over side effects of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. The plaintiff is requesting general, economic, special and punitive damages as the court deems just and proper.

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Armantrout watched her hand die

Armantrout began taking Yaz in 2007. In December 2012, she began to feel a tingling in her left arm. She rushed to the hospital, but it was already too late. “I had no pulse at my wrist,” she explained, “The doctor found it faintly at my elbow and forearm. They took me to a room and started hooking me up to IVs. It was excruciating. I was feeling my hand dying. I was watching it turn black.”

There was nothing they could do: her surgeons were forced to amputate her arm at the elbow. It was a devastating outcome for Armantrout, and for her husband and young daughter, 4. As if a sudden arm amputation wasn’t enough of a burden for a 32-year-old mother, Armantrout soon learned that her insurance wouldn’t cover a prosthetic. Her Medicaid coverage and Sooner Care only covers prosthetics in patients 21 and younger. “When I realized that this is what I was left with, there’s really no other option,” she said. “It really just made me lose hope.” Armantrout subsequently filed a Yaz side effects lawsuit to recover damages from her injuries.

Range of serious consequences of blood clots from Yaz

Unfortunately, Armantrout’s story is not unique. Yaz and Yasmin, two popular birth control medications, have been linked to an increased risk for severe blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that involves blood clots in the deep veins. Armantrout’s condition is known as limb ischaemia, which can create extra pressure in the veins, cause leg ulcers, lead to serious infections (like gangrene), and cause serious tissue damage that can lead to amputation. In addition to impeding blood flow (oxygen), clots can dislodge and travel to other parts of the body, causing serious medical problems and even death. For example, a blood clot in the lungs can cause pulmonary embolism; clots near the brain lead to stroke; and blood clots that travel to the heart may cause a heart attack.

Yaz side effects lawsuit seeks damages

As anyone who follows Yaz litigation news knows, many other women throughout the U.S. face life-altering consequences of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis that they allege were caused by Yaz. Like her peers, Armantrout has filed a Yaz side effects lawsuit to seek damages for her injuries. Whether she settles out-of-court or receives a jury verdict, Armantrout hopes that any compensation will help fund a prosthesis and the resulting physical therapy, ongoing medical expenses, and other costs associated with her injuries.

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The plaintiffs in this complaint come from various locations across the country, including Oregon, Ohio, Texas and Ohio. One of the plaintiffs hails from California, where the complaint has been filed. The Yaz lawyer representing the plaintiffs states that all of the women listed took Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella or Gianvi between 2005 and 2012. Ocella and Gianvi are generic forms of Yaz and Yasmin, which are also manufactured by Bayer for Barr Laboratories.

Yaz lawyer claims clients relied on product safety information

Similar to other Yaz lawsuits involving adverse side effects, this case claims that the plaintiffs relied on product safety information provided by manufacturer Bayer when they took the oral contraceptives. Court documents show that studies linked the ingredients in Yaz and Yasmin to deep vein thrombosis as early as 2002. Despite the fact that the defendant Bayer should have known of the risks associated with the drug, the company continued to market their product as a safe and effective oral contraceptive at the time all of these plaintiffs took the pills.

Six of the plaintiffs in the complaint developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after taking the pills, and four were diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Both of these conditions involve the formation of blood clots within the cardiovascular system, which can become life threatening if they break away and travel to vital organs. Pulmonary embolisms reach the lungs, cutting off circulation and interfering with breathing. Blood clots can also travel to the heart or brain, where they can result in heart attack or stroke.

History of Yaz side effects, lawsuits

The birth control pills, which became widely popular in the U.S. by 2006, were marketed as contraceptives that could also reduce symptoms of acne and premenstrual syndrome. In 2008, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer regarding their misleading advertising, and the company was required to air corrective advertisements to provide the general public with accurate information regarding the benefits of Yaz and Yasmin.

In addition to advertising concerns, studies conducted both in the U.S. and abroad have shown an increased incidence of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with Yaz and Yasmin users. The first study linking Yaz to deep vein thrombosis was reported in the British Medical Journal in 2002, according to this complaint. In addition, the FDA received reports of more than 50 deaths related to Yaz and Yasmin use between 2004 and 2008.

The plaintiffs in this complaint allege they were unaware of these potential Yaz side effects when they began taking the oral contraceptives as prescribed by their physicians. As a result of their injuries, these women are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, in an amount to be determined at trial.

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Yaz and Yasmin use fourth-generation progestin

Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella are three brands of birth control pills manufactured and marketed by the defendants named in Moon’s complaint. They contain a combination of oral contraceptives, or “COCs,” which means that they contain both an estrogen component and a progestin component. However, unlike other birth control pills available today, these medications contain a fourth-generation progestin known as drospirenone.

Studies that were done prior to FDA approval indicate that drospirenone has certain effects that are different from those of traditional second generation progestins, and potentially more dangerous. As a diuretic, drospirenone can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood. This can cause hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium), and hyperkalemia can cause heart rhythm disturbances, including bradycardia. If left untreated, hyperkalemia can be fatal. In addition, drospirenone can cause gallbladder disease and kidney stone formation; these side effects have been reported with the use of drospirenone in Yasmin, Yaz, and Ocella. As a result, surgical intervention is sometimes required.

FDA received complaints regarding Yaz and Yasmin

Yasmin first received FDA approval in 2001; the medication is a combination of drospirenone, a progestin, and the estrogen ethinyl estradiol. Yaz differs from Yasmin only in having a slightly smaller amount of ethinyl estradiol. Since 2001, the FDA’s adverse event data indicates serious adverse events associated with Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella, including, but not limited to:

• Heart arrhythmias
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Hyponatremia
• Hyperkalemia
• Hyperkalemic arrhythmias
• Atrial fibrillation
• Tachycardia
• Bradycardia
• Myocardial infarction
• Strokes
• Transient ischemic attacks
• Blood clot formation
• Gallbladder and kidney disease
• Sudden death

From the first quarter of 2004 through the third quarter of 2008, the FDA received reports of more than 50 deaths in which the decedents had used Yasmin, Yaz, or Ocella. Largely due to underreporting, Moon’s Yaz lawyer states that the actual number of people who suffered side effects associated with these medications is likely 10 to 100 times more than reported. Despite the allegations, no Yaz recall has been issued.

Yaz lawyer demands compensatory and punitive damages

Plaintiff Moon began taking Yaz in April 2010 as prescribed by her physician. As a direct and proximate result, her Yaz / Yasmin lawsuit states that she suffered “severe and permanent personal injuries.” Her Yaz lawyer levels counts against the defendants of strict liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, negligence, fraud, unjust enrichment, and more.

Moon requests compensatory damages, medical expenses, and punitive damages for her injuries.

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The woman’s Yaz lawyer filed the claim in the U.S. District Court of Illinois (East St. Louis) – site of the present products liability multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2100) involving Yasmin and Yaz oral contraceptives. Drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella have been linked to a slew of potentially fatal side effects such as blood clots, heart arrhythmia, tachycardia, hyperkalemia, stroke, myocardial infarctions and pulmonary embolism. Additionally, the fourth generation pills have been associated with increased risk of kidney and gallbladder disease.

Allegations raised in Yaz pulmonary embolism lawsuit

The twenty two year-old Florida claimant contends that Bayer essentially ignored the correlation between the use of Yaz/Yasmin and the increased risk of developing thromboses, including pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) despite a wealth of available scientific evidence. According to court documents, in 2003, a paper was published in the British Medical Journal that detailed thrombo-embolism and two sudden deaths where Yaz was the leading suspect.

The plaintiff began taking Yaz/Yasmin in April 2005 and used the birth control pills through January 2009. As noted in the complaint, the woman suffered a bilateral pulmonary embolism in February 2009, and was allegedly caused to sustain severe and permanent injuries, pain, suffering and emotional distress. Both she and her attorney claim that the defendants failed to adequately warn the medical community and public about the heightened risk for adverse cardiovascular events when taking Yaz or Yasmin. The lawsuit also states that the claimant is now at extremely high risk for further complications including inter alia heart arrhythmia, stroke, blood clots, heart attack and sudden death.

No sign of imminent Yaz recall

While Bayer Pharmaceuticals continues to negotiate settlements with plaintiffs who suffered blood-clot related injuries such as pulmonary embolism and DVT, the manufacturer has yet to announce any plans for a Yasmin or Yaz recall. Many speculate that Yaz settlements may soon exceed $1.5 billion, as more than 3,500 lawsuits await their day in court.

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Yaz lawsuit joins other complaints in California court

This lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County court on January 17, 2013. The plaintiff adopted the master complaint filed in this court involving Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella lawsuits, which means she agrees to be bound by rulings in the coordinated cases. Coordination of litigation is typically done when multiple cases involving the same defendant and similar complaints are filed. This also helps to streamline various steps of the legal process to expedite proceedings for both plaintiffs and defendants.

The plaintiff in this complaint, Janie Winning, states that on February 2, 2010, she suffered two pulmonary embolisms. She attributes her medical condition to use of the oral contraceptive Yaz. Winning is joined on the complaint by her husband, John Winning, who is claiming loss of consortium for his spouse’s injuries. The couple joins other injured Yaz users around the country who are now seeking jury awards or Yaz lawsuit settlements to compensate them for their injuries.

Pulmonary embolism linked to Yaz use

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in one of the arteries of the lung. The blood clot may also form in other areas of the body and then break loose and travel to the lung. The clot blocks blood flow to the lung, which can become a life-threatening situation very quickly. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, a bloody cough and chest pain. Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the clot, or surgical removal of the clot in some circumstances.

Winning is not the first plaintiff to allege use of Yaz led to a pulmonary embolism. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2009 highlighted the increased risk of a blood clot in Yaz users. Another study, published in 2011, also showed an increased incidence in the formation of blood clots. Despite this evidence, the FDA has decided to keep the oral contraceptive on the market for now. However those who have suffered injuries after taking the drug may be eligible to file a Yaz lawsuit against manufacturer Bayer.

Winning’s complaint is now pending in the Los Angeles court, along with many other women who have alleged serious injury after using the birth control pills. In this case, Winning and her husband are seeking a variety of different damages to pay for past, present and future, medical expenses, economic losses and emotional distress. Significant Yaz lawsuit settlements have already been negotiated by Bayer, and the company may pay out millions more in the coming months.

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Yasmin and Yaz are dosage variations on the same synthetic compound, drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol. They contain the progestin drospirenone, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Over the 28-day cycle, Yasmin adheres to the common formula for birth control, containing 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills. Yaz contains 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills. Having fewer inactive pills decreases some of the side effects associated with oral contraception.

Bayer questioned about Yasmin side effects

A number of European markets have openly criticized the drug. France has stopped reimbursing the cost of prescriptions. Bayer has so far refused to comment on pending lawsuits.

In May 2012, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced a review of all birth control pills containing progestin drospirenone. The aim of the review was to evaluate the risks associated with Yaz and Yasmin side effects, primarily the development of blood clots that can lead to venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition which allows a blood clot to travel from the extremities to the heart or lungs. Gallbladder disease is another of the reported Yaz and Yasmin side effects.

Yasmin and Yaz settlement total reaches $750 million

Bayer has already reached Yasmin and Yaz settlements totaling $750 million. The payout settled 3,490 lawsuits in the U.S., each alleging the product caused blood clots. Similar injuries are alleged in a further 3,800 pending cases. A Yaz recall has not been implemented, in part because of the proliferation of cheaper, generic versions of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol in the US market.

Dutch study supports allegations

A study published in the October 25, 2011 edition of the British Medical Journal appeared to confirm that women taking drospirenone may double their risk for VTE compared to women taking levonorgestrel, an older type of progestin. The research looked at more than a million women between 2001 and 2008, and reported nearly 3,000 cases of VTE.

With more than 10,000 Yasmin lawsuit complaints, the multidistrict litigation boasts the largest case load in the United States, and consolidates claims with similar allegations under one federal judge. The product liability lawsuits are based on potentially life-threatening side effects of Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella and other drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives.

Yasmin lawsuit numbers expected to increase

According to the federal judge presiding over the MDL, Teva and Barr have agreed to service of process (the procedure used to give legal notice) that require the summons to be sent to designated representatives within 90 days for any previously filed claims, and within 60 days after any future complaints are added to the Yaz and Yasmin MDL.

Some of the docketed complaints have named subsidiaries Barr Pharmaceuticals, LLC and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. as defendants, but Judge Herndon has maintained that these companies do not need to file responsive pleadings to avoid conflicts regarding personal jurisdiction. This was allowed based on suggestions that some parent companies had no role in the distribution of generic Ocella birth control pills.

Yaz and Yasmin lawsuits allege that Bayer failed to adequately warn about the risks of fourth generation pills, as they have been shown to increase the risk of blood clots when compared to older pills that were not made with drospirenone.  Reports of Ocella side effects are exactly the same as those of its name-brand counterpart, and may include heightened risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), gallbladder complications and stroke.

Bayer has yet to issue Yasmin recall

Despite valid concerns about the pill’s inherent safety, Bayer has yet to issue a wide-scale Yaz and Yasmin recall. FDA-approved in 2001, Yasmin skyrocketed in sales in its first years on the market, as women took heed of advertisements that claimed the oral contraceptive could also help with PMS symptoms, weight loss and acne, in addition to preventing pregnancy.

Within the last two years, both the FDA and the British Medical Journal have published research demonstrating that drospirenone could raise the risk of blood clots by more than 70 percent. And as an increasing number of women experienced adverse side effects from the pills, more began filing a Yasmin lawsuit. Judge Herndon also recently stated that Yaz plaintiffs could file complaints with the Southern District of Illinois – site of the MDL – regardless of their home district, and that Bayer and defendants would not attempt to have them removed to another court.