FDA Study Increases Concerns Over Link Between Yaz Birth Control and Blood Clots

/by

The latest FDA study on Bayer’s birth control drug, Yaz has increased concern over the drug’s connection with blood clots. According to the study, women who use Yaz are on average at a 75% greater risk for contracting blood clots than women who use older forms of birth control.
While there have been previous concerns and Yaz lawsuits filed over such issues, the FDA’s study may lead to further regulatory action by the FDA when they convene a meeting with scientific consultants on December 8.
According to the Boston Globe, “Yaz contains estrogen along with a next-generation synthetic hormone called drospirenone, which is known to increase potassium levels in the blood. FDA compared medical records of women taking the drug with those taking the older drug levonorgestrel.”
One physician questioned why such a controversial drug has been allowed on the marketplace given the health concerns surrounding it.
“At a certain point we have to ask why the FDA continues to approve drugs that are less safe and have no benefit compared to drugs already on the market,” said Dr. Diana Zuckerman, president of the National Center for Women and Families, a consumer group for women’s health issues. “With all these different birth control options, why take the most expensive one that can also kill you?”

Eva Bleich
Latest posts by Eva Bleich (see all)