Pending Mass Tort Status for Yaz and Yasmin Claims
The New Jersey Judiciary is currently considering a request for mass tort status for an increasing number of lawsuits against the popular birth control drugs Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella. The lawsuits allege that use of these contraceptives results in serious health effects, such as stroke and heart attacks. The New Jersey Law Journal reports that this consideration for mass tort status is due to a number of factors, including the projected increase in these lawsuits, different geographic locations of the parties involved, and increased efficiency of having one judge oversee the issues in the case. Currently, there are 39 lawsuits pending against the drug manufacturers in New Jersey counties. However, the current plaintiffs’ lawyers have informed the judiciary that the number of lawsuits could increase into the thousands. The increasing number of lawsuits reflects the growing concern about the safety of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella.
Yaz Safety Concerns
In August 2009, two British Medical Journal studies were published that found Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella lead to a higher risk of venous blood clots, or venous thrombosis, than other oral contraceptives available on the market. These blood clots may lead to such adverse health effects as heart attack, stroke, and development of pulmonary embolism. Use of these contraceptives may also lead to gallbladder disease and pancreatitis.
In October 2008, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer to pull misleading ads from the public overstating the efficacy of the drug and minimizing the risks associated with the drug. The current lawsuits against the manufacturers of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella claim that its users have suffered from illnesses such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and heart attack as a result of the drugs. The suits state that the Bayer and Teva should have known that these contraceptives lead to a higher risk of such illnesses than other contraceptives on the market.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of using Yaz, contact the lawyers at the Pintas Law Firm immediately. We will provide you with a free legal consultation and explain your legal rights.