Yaz Birth Control Lawyers

Yaz is one of the few birth control pills on the market to use the hormone drospirenone, and because of this drug's unique combination of active ingredients, it can serve not only as a method of birth control, but also a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Before you turn to this drug for birth control or treatment, however, make sure that you understand the risks involved.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a condition with symptoms similar to PMS. These symptoms, which include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood sings, anger, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, changes in libido, fatigue, bloating, cramps, headache, pain, and heart palpitations, are severe enough to affect your daily life, especially in the week leading up to your period. An estimated 3% to 8% of women deal with PMDD on a monthly basis.

Can Yaz be Used to Treat PMDD? What about PMS?

Yaz has been shown to effectively treat the symptoms of PMDD. Drospirenone, which is used in Yaz, drastically changes the body's response to ovulation and menstruation. Essentially, this hormone tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant so that you no longer ovulate. Because PMDD is triggered through hormone levels, these changes make the symptoms go away completely in some women and feel less severe in other women. However, Yaz has not been shown to effectively treat PMS, which has milder symptoms than PMDD.

Why did the FDA ask Bayer to Remove its Yaz commercials?

Bayer, the makers of Yaz, was airing a misleading Yaz commercial called "Balloons", and they received a warning from the FDA that this commercial was very unclear. The commercial showed a number of women punching balloons that had PMDD symptoms written on them, symbolizing that Yaz stops these problems. However, many of the symptoms shown were similar to PMS symptoms, confusing some consumers into thinking that Yaz could treat PMS as well. Bayer has since removed this commercial and replaced it with a clearer commercial about how Yaz should be used.

Could Yaz be dangerous?

Whether you are using Yaz as birth control or to treat PMDD, it could be dangerous for some women. Read the Side Effect of Yasmin reported in the FDA reports. Yaz raises your potassium level, causing unsafe amounts of potassium in the body for women who have kidney, liver, or adrenal diseases. In addition, it can put you at a greater risk for blood clots, heart problems, gall bladder disease, and a number of other serious medical conditions. If you or someone you know has experienced problems due to using Yaz, contact a lawyer right away to learn about your rights.