Effective Treatment for Common Yaz and Yasmin Complication is Largely Unknown, Researchers Say

Medical researchers say not enough doctors know about an effective treatment for pulmonary embolism, a blockage of an artery in the lung that is a life-threatening complication seen in some women taking the birth-control pills Yaz and Yasmin.

Doctors at Stanford University said using a technique called catheter-directed therapy or catheter-directed thrombolysis can save the lives of patients with the blockages more than 86 percent of the time with few major complications.

In a study of 594 patients in 18 countries who had the surgery to remove a pulmonary embolism between 1990 and 2008, only 2.4 percent suffered serious complications, the researchers said. The surgery involves inserting a tiny plastic tube called a catheter through a small incision in the neck to break up and suction out blockages in the arteries of the lungs.

Still, many doctors are not aware of the procedure, the research team said.

“Modern catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism and should be considered as a first-line treatment,” the study authors said in a statement, according to a UPI news report.

Common Complication of Yaz, Yasmin Use

Many women taking the popular birth-control pills Yaz and Yasmin have died or suffered complications as a result of pulmonary embolisms. From 2004 to 2008, there were at least 50 deaths in the United States associated with the use of Yaz, including those related to the blockages of lung arteries.

More than 100 women who claim they were injured by Yaz or Yasmin have filed state and federal lawsuits against Bayer seeking financial compensation for their medical bills and other damages. In some cases, loved ones of women who died after taking the drugs have sued on behalf of their deceased family members.

Other Yaz/Yasmin Side Effects

In addition to pulmonary embolism, women taking Yaz and Yasmin also have suffered from heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis and other types of blood clots, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Bayer, the maker of Yaz and Yasmin, also has been sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration for airing misleading and deceptive television ads for the contraceptives. TV spots for the drugs tended to overstate their approved uses and downplay their serious health risks, the FDA said.

The drugs are only approved as contraceptives, to treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate to severe acne. Bayer was forced in 2009 to produce and air new ads designed to correct the deceptive promotional spots.

No related posts.