A few major medical studies have recently indicated a clear link between use of the popular birth control pill Yaz and an increased risk of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a serious and life threatening cardiovascular injury. Though the risk of pulmonary embolism increases with the use of any oral contraceptive, studies show that Yaz presents a significantly higher risk of this serious injury, compared to other birth control pills.
What is Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary embolism is a serious and life threatening medical emergency. This condition occurs when one or more of the lungs’ arteries become blocked. In most cases, these arteries become blocked by a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs from another part of the body, such as the legs or pelvis area. Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism, though different for each individual, often include sudden and unexplainable chest pain, shortness of breath, and a cough that may produce bloody sputum.
Many otherwise healthy young women taking Yaz have suffered pulmonary embolism as a result of taking this birth control pill. It is important to speak with a doctor if you are concerned about these risks or if you are experiencing any possible symptoms of pulmonary embolism while taking Yaz.
What have the recent studies found?
A study published in the British Medical Journal reports that women who use Yaz are more than six times more likely to suffer venous thrombosis, compared to women who do not use oral contraceptives. This risk was considerably higher for women using Yaz, compared to those taking other oral contraceptives. In fact, these researchers recommend using a safer alternative to Yaz, stating “our results clearly show that the safest option with regard to the risk of venous thrombosis is an oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel combined with a low dose of estrogen.”
Another 2009 study published in the medical journal Contraception, explains why Yaz may increase the risk of pulmonary embolism and other cardiovascular injuries. This smaller study indicated that initiating use of Yaz, or other birth control pills with the same chemical combination of dropirenone (progrestone) and ethinylestradiol (estrogen), causes an increase in lipid peroxidation. This medical condition is linked with high serum copper levels in the body, a situation that increases the risk of cardiovascular injury. The results of these tests echo the results of oral contraceptive studies dating back to 1998, which also linked oral contraceptive use to these increased copper levels.
Current Research
While studies continue to examine the link between pulmonary embolism and Yaz oral contraceptive, it is clear that Yaz presents a higher risk of this serious cardiovascular injury compared to other oral contraceptives or non-use of such drugs. A study initiated this year involving over 80,000 American and European birth control pill users hopes to find more definitive answers about the link between Yaz and cardiovascular risks like pulmonary embolism.
Until then, patients and their doctors must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of taking Yaz with the information currently available.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, such as a pulmonary embolism, stroke, or other serious injury, contact our law firm to learn about you legal rights. There is no cost for a consultation and no obligation. We welcome your questions.
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While it is no secret that birth control pills have had adverse effects since they were first introduced in the early 1960’s, there is no other medication that has influenced the lives of women more than “the pill”.