Yaz Bleeding
Known generically as drospirenone, Yaz is a birth control pill that changes the uterine and cervical lining to prevent pregnancy 99.9 percent of the time. Yaz is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and has been available (and FDA approved) in the U.S. since 2001. Yaz has been reported to cause a variety of mild and severe side effects. Women thinking of taking Yaz should:
- Discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting a course of Yaz
- Be aware of the risk factors for, as well as symptoms of, severe Yaz side effects
- Seek emergency medical attention, should they develop serious Yaz side effects
- Take the time to learn more about their legal rights and entitlements, as injured parties will likely have a legitimate personal injury claim and be entitled to compensation
Yaz Side Effect: Bleeding
As women start a course of Yaz, the fluctuations of hormones entering their bodies may alter their menstrual cycles and, consequently, cause them to be irregular. This may cause:
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Early or late periods
- Longer periods
- Spotting
All of these will dissipate, and periods will normalize once a woman's body has adjusted to the new dosage of hormones (within a few months).
It's important to note that women who have a history of abnormal bleeding should not take Yaz, as they will have a significant risk of developing life-threatening Yaz side effects, including liver damage, blood clots, stroke and/or pulmonary embolism.
Bleeding During Inactive Pills
There are four inactive pills (versus 24 active pills) in each pack of Yaz. The inactive tablets do not contain any hormones (they are simply placebos) and, as a result, allow the body to shed the uterine lining, causing menstruation. Bleeding during inactive pills—i.e. when a woman's period starts—may fluctuate when she starts taking a course of Yaz birth control pills. However, following a few months of taking Yaz, a woman's body will become accustomed to the hormone dose, and her menstruation cycles will normalize.
If Yaz Breakthrough Bleeding Persists
It's crucial that women seek immediate medical attention for a thorough exam. The persistence of breakthrough bleeding could indicate that a woman has developed more serious Yaz side effects. Yaz patients who experience this side effect may have to consider finding an alternate form of birth control, and those who sustain severe Yaz injuries will have a viable legal claim against Bayer HealthCare.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while taking Yaz (or a loved one has died as a result of a Yaz complication), attend a free initial consult with one of our defective drug attorneys experienced with handling Yaz claims.
