Bama's List

Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella, the blockbuster birth-control pill made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., has been associated with increased risks of stroke, blood clots, gallbladder disease, and other serious injuries in users. Bayer also has been reprimanded by the Food and Drug Administration for airing false and misleading television ads, which overstated the approved uses of the drug.

Women taking Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella, which also is available in other formulations under the brand name Yasmin and generically as ocella, also have developed serious side effects including:

• Heart attack
• Rash
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Vision problems
• Cancers of the reproductive organs and breasts
• Liver cancer
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Other serious and deadly health complications

Misleading Television Ads Cited

The FDA said in October 2008 that television advertising for Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella was misleading and gave consumers the wrong idea about which conditions the pill was approved to treat. The ads in question falsely claimed or gave consumers the impression that Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella was approved for treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and mild acne.

In reality, the drug only is approved by the FDA for treating serious physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate to severe acne. The FDA ruled that Bayer had violated federal rules regarding efficacy claims made in drug ads.

As a result of falsely promoting Yaz/Yasmin or Ocella, Bayer was ordered to correct the offending ads and forced to air new advertisements designed to clarify the FDA approvals for the drug. Those ads started appearing in early 2009.

If you or a loved one has taken Yaz for birth control or to treat symptoms of PMDD or acne and suffered stroke, heart attack, blood clots, gallbladder disease or other serious injuries, we encourage you to contact qualified legal representation today to fully assess your possible legal rights