Yasmin, Yaz & Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is one of the serious side effects reported by women who have taken the birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin. A pulmonary embolism or "PE" occurs when there is a blockage of the main arteries of the lungs. In most cases, a PE is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from another part of the body - most commonly, the legs - and creates a blockage in the pulmonary artery. Recent medical studies have found that the hormone used in Yaz and Yasmin, known as drospirenone or drsp, is associated with a significantly higher risk of venous thrombosis, a medical term for blood clots in the veins.

If you suffered an injury as a result of taking Yaz or Yasmin and would like to receive a free consultation with a Yaz lawyer, please fill out the form on the right or call toll-free (866) 981-4800.

Effects of Yaz Pulmonary Embolism and Pulmonary Hypertension

When a pulmonary embolism occurs, the lung tissue served by each blocked artery is robbed of fuel and can die, which makes it difficult for the lungs to provide oxygen to the rest of the body. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Additional complications can also occur. In some cases a pulmonary embolism can lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs is too high. Obstructions, such as blood clots, in the arteries inside the lungs make the heart work harder to push blood through those vessels. When this occurs, it increases the blood pressure within those vessels and can wear out a section of the heart.

Additionally, if a blood clot travels to the brain, a stroke can occur.

Symptoms of a Yasmin Pulmonary Embolism

Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary significantly, depending on many factors such as a woman's underlying health, the size of the clot and how much of the lung is affected. Common symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include:

• sudden and unexplained shortness of breath
• chest pain – which can also include pain in the upper back, shoulders, neck and jaw
• a cough that may bring up blood-tinged sputum
• fainting

A pulmonary embolism can be fatal and requires immediate treatment. Immediate medical attention should be sought if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms.

Treating a Yaz Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins) are typically treated with medications known as anticoagulants, or blood thinners. An anticoagulant helps prevent the clotting (coagulation) of blood and stops blood clots from getting bigger (the body dissolves most clots with time). Blood thinners can be taken as either a pill, an injection, or through a needle or tube inserted into a vein (called intravenous, or IV, injection). Heparin, Lovenox and warfarin (Coumadin is a common brand name for warfarin) are common anticoagulants used to treat blood clots.

In some emergency cases, doctors may also use medications known as thrombolytics which can quickly dissolve clots. Thrombolytics are used to treat large clots that can cause severe symtoms, but because thrombolytics can cause sudden bleeding, they are usually only used in life-threatening circumstances.

There are also situations where a doctor may suggest using a catheter (a thin flexible tube) to remove a clot if it is very large. Catheters can also be used to position a filter in the main vein (the inferior vena cava) that leads from the legs to the heart in order to block clots from being carried into the lungs.

Injured by Yaz or Yasmin? Free and Confidential Consultation

Our Yaz lawyers represent people from across the country who were injured by Yaz or Yasmin birth control medication. If you or someone you know was injured by these medications, you may have a legal right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries or other damages. Fill out the form to the right or call (866) 981-4800 for a free confidential consultation concerning your possible Yaz lawsuit.

A. J. De Bartolomeo

Mike Danko

Dylan Hughes

Kristine Meredith

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This website is dedicated to providing public information regarding Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella lawsuits and other legal information. None of the information on this site is intended to be formal medical advice. If you have medical questions about Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, please contact your doctor. Additionally, none of the information on this site is intended to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. If you would like to contact our Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella attorneys for a free and confidential legal consultation, please fill out the form on the right or call toll-free at (866) 981-4800.