The Project on Government Oversight (POGO), a watchdog group dedicated to promoting transparent and accountable government, is asking the FDA for a re-vote regarding the blood clot risk associated with Bayer’s Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills. In a recent article by Reuters, POGO stated that four experts who had advised the FDA in December regarding the safety of Yaz and Yasmin had financial or research ties to Bayer.
All four of these experts voted in favor of keeping these drugs on the market stating that the benefits of pregnancy prevention outweighed the risks of developing dangerous blood clots. Yaz and Yasmin contain the synthetic hormone drospirenone, which is believed to carry a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots. One study conducted by the FDA on drospirenone-containing drugs estimated that 10 in 10,000 women would develop a blood clot in a year as compared to 6 in 10,000 women who took an older oral contraceptive. Blood clots can trigger strokes, heart attacks, and blockages in the lungs.
After meeting with the expert panel, the FDA made the decision in December to keep these drugs on the market and place a stronger safety warning on the label. POGO is now asking the FDA to reconsider its decision in light of this new information.
If you or someone you care about has taken Yaz, Yasmin, or another drospirenone-containing birth control pill and has suffered an injury please contact our office today to speak with one of our product liability/personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal options.