Yasmin Lawsuits Span the Globe

Chicago, ILIn the 12 years since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Yasmin birth control, could the agency have imagined that by the start of 2013 there would be no fewer than 9,455 lawsuits alleging harm from Yasmin and its close contraceptive cousin, Yaz? The US Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (MDL 2100, US District Court, Southern District of Illinois), released that figure on January 14, according to PRWeb Newswire (2/6/13).

Industry watchers and health advocates surmise that we haven’t seen the last of Yaz lawsuits or similar litigation involving Yasmin. The most recent Yasmin lawsuit was filed with US District Court, Southern District of Illinois (case # 3:2012cv11630) on behalf of five plaintiffs alleging serious Yasmin adverse events and Yaz side effects stemming from the use of the two controversial contraceptives.

Three of the plaintiffs allege Yasmin DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), together with Yasmin blood clots and heart blockages. Another plaintiff represents the estate of a woman who died after suffering a stroke. According to PRWeb Newswire, the victim had been using the Yasmin pill for a little over a month when she died.

Still another plaintiff alleges Yasmin gallbladder problems.

And concern with regard to Yasmin and Yaz continues to reverberate around the globe. In the wake of France recommending to the European Medicines Agency that Yasmin/Yaz be established as the birth control choice of last resort, the largest health insurer in Switzerland has revealed it is supporting a young Swiss woman in her legal claim against pharmaceutical giant Bayer.

According to Swiss media reports, the young woman suffered a pulmonary embolism just a few weeks after first prescribed the Yasmin pill. The embolism, it is reported, left the woman severely disabled. Medical costs related to the alleged Yasmin side effects have climbed to 600,000 Swiss francs, or $648,600 when converted into US currency value.

CSS, a health insurance powerhouse in Switzerland, wants that money back. Thus, CSS is reportedly backing the young woman in her Yasmin lawsuit, and is participating as co-plaintiff.

Metro - Boston (1/9/13) reports that Bayer has agreed to pay a combined sum of $750 million to settle 3,490 US claims related to Yasmin blood clots and similar injuries involving Yaz. Another 3,800 cases pending in the US also allege blood clot injuries. However, it should be noted that those claims - and Bayer’s agreement to settle - cover only blood clots and Yasmin DVT. They do not include other injuries allegedly associated with Yasmin or Yaz, including Yasmin gallbladder problems.

French authorities are also seeking a restriction on the use of Bayer contraceptive Ocella, due in part to concerns over Ocella side effects.