Over the past year, a spotlight has been pointed at the prescription contraceptive medicine Yaz because the drug’s parent company Bayer has been accused of providing misleading information and, in some cases, not providing any information at all about the seriousness of Yaz’s side effects. While most commonly used as a form of female birth control, Yaz has also been available as a prescription form of acne treatment for girls, ages 14 and up.

Because Yaz is a prescription medication, it of course underwent the same scrutiny and clinical trial treatments of the Food and Drug Administration as most other prescription drugs; however, birth control medication side effects cannot fully be determined through clinical testing due to the impossibility of administering a placebo. In a hypothetical clinical testing situation for prescription birth control, a placebo would essentially result in pregnancy. Therefore, standard clinical testing is an impossibility with contraceptive medication like Yaz, which leaves open the possibilities of various serious side effects.

There have already been a wide variety of cases of serious injuries and potentially fatal side effects throughout the United States as Yaz continues to be the most prescribed female contraceptive medication. This Bayer product has been accused of causing serious side effects and health complications, including:

• Heart attacks

• Stroke

• Severe blood clotting or deep vein thrombosis

• Sudden death

• Gallbladder disease

• Pulmonary embolisms

In detecting the aforementioned serious potential side effects of Yaz, it’s important to recognize that there are a wide variety of smaller side effects and symptoms that can build into these serious health complications. However, if you or a friend or family member are currently using Yaz for prescription contraceptive reasons or for acne treatment and you have experienced any of the more common side effects, then it is incredibly important that you contact a medical professional or your physician immediately. Some of the more common side effects and symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Increase in appetite

• Decreased desire for sexual activity

• Non-cyclical menstrual bleeding

• Sudden weight gain

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Stomach pains

• Vaginal yeast infections or discharge

When not treated or examined immediately, the basic, common side effects and symptoms can linger and develop into more serious side effects. While not fatal, the following side effects are still mildly serious and require professional medical attention:

• Hair loss

• Development of dark spots or freckling of skin

• Vaginal irritation and discharge

• Swelling of hands and feet

• Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle

• Irritated eyes

• Appetite loss

In some cases, it is possible for severe allergic reactions to occur. As with all other symptoms, allergic reactions require immediate medical attention as well. Breathing difficulty, problems with swallowing, outbreak of hives, and any sort of facial swelling are all reasons to be extremely concerned when dealing with prescription medication.

Additionally, if you or a friend or family member are using Yaz for prescription contraceptive or acne treatment purposes, and have experienced the following major side effects, then medical attention is required immediately to avoid or treat any possibly significant permanent health issues:

• Heavy swings in emotions

• Insomnia or abnormal sleeping difficulties

• Weakness

• Chest pains

• Breast lumps

• Discoloration of skin

• Severe stomach pains

• Migraines

• Numbness in the arms, legs, hands, and feet

• Vision problems

As more accusations, allegations, and reports of misleading information, detrimental marketing, and negligence by Bayer continue to surface, it is important that consumers being prescribed this potentially harmful drug know their legal options and rights. The Newsome Law Firm will investigate all Yaz claims made by prescription users, and if you or a loved one has experienced any of the symptoms or side effects allegedly caused by Yaz, then you are entitled to a claim evaluation and consultation.