Many people in the Chicago area have heard about the complications that are reportedly being caused by Yaz, an oral contraceptive manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Bayer. According to reports, these complications have included pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots and stroke. In some cases, these conditions have resulted in fatal consequences.
Some of the products liability suits that have been filed have already been settled by Bayer. An announcement from the company indicated that more than $400 million has already been paid out to plaintiffs alleging that the reportedly defective product caused them undue hardship because of Bayer's negligence. The company has allotted another $610.5 million to be used as a settlement fund.
In addition to the blood clot cases, others that have administered Yaz or Yasmin found other complications. Gallbladder disease has affected some people and lawsuits have been filed alleging the cause to be Bayer's birth control pills. In one case, a teenage girl was prescribed Yaz by her doctor in 2011 and by April 2012, she had been diagnosed with gallbladder disease. According to reports, the condition was so severe that an emergency surgery occurred.
Physicians removed her gallbladder the same month and the teenager, who is now 16 years old, must live without the organ for the rest of her life. Due to this, her parents have filed a suit claiming that their daughter will need medical monitoring and attention for the entirety of her life. The suit also says that the teen has experienced emotional and physical distress. The suit says that Bayer is guilty of product liability, negligence and misrepresentation of its product.
Product liability and negligence accusations come alongside misrepresentation allegations in many of these suits. According to plaintiffs, Bayer misrepresented the safety of taking Yaz and Yasmin by suggesting that issues such as gallbladder disease and blood clots were not likely to arise as they actually are. Experts believe that some of the gallbladder cases will have to go to trial to determine a standard with which the settlement of other reported victims will be determined.
Source: Injury Lawyer News, "Teenager Needed Gallbladder Removed Because of Yaz, Lawsuit Charges," Tracy Ray, Aug. 26, 2012
