Day 285- Yasmin (Yaz) has double the risk of blood clots than any other birth control on the market

I have voiced my opinion on birth control in the blog, "Birth control- not the "magic pill" you though." But for those that you are new to Pura Vida Nutrition or maybe missed that day, I'm completely against it.

A recent story in the NPR health blog, Shots, talks about the controversy on the birth control, manufactured by Bayer called Yasmin or Yaz. Go figure!

The difference that Yaz has than other birth control pills on the market is that it contains a hormone called drospirenone. Drospirenone has been shown to increase sodium levels in the body which can cause damage to the liver or kidneys as well as some cardiovascular issues. Even with the studies that were presented such as a "835,000- women study commissioned by the FDA; that found about a two-fold increase in blood clots for Bayer's pills compared to competitor's products," and multiple testimonials from people that have suffered life-threatening blood clots or even death, still 15 out of the 26 FDA expert advisors voted that the benefits of these birth control pills outweigh the risk of dangerous blood clots.

A write up of Yaz in a drug recall website states:

"Yaz (drospirenone) is a birth control pill that completely prevents ovulation. It changes the cervical lining, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, and therefore, reach a fertilized egg. In cases where Yaz is not used for birth control, women take it to treat their symptoms of PMDD, such as anxiety, fatigue, cramps, and mood changes. Serious side effects of Yaz include breast lumps, depression, chest pains, sweating, migraines, and sudden numbness. Less serious side effects such as breast tenderness, vaginal itching, weight gain, and changes in menstrual cycles are all common when taking Yaz. Yaz contains a new type of hormone, known as drospirenone which raises potassium levels. Dangerously high levels of potassium can cause numerous health issues such as heart attack, heart arrhythmias, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

In 2008, a series of television commercials entitled "Not Gonna Take It" and "Balloons" prompted the FDA to write a warning letter to Bayer for overstating the approved uses of Yaz while failing to address the risks of the drug. The commercials stated "we all know that birth control pills are 99% effective and can give you shorter, lighter periods. But did you know there's a pill that could do more?" Bayer was required to create new commercials which clarified the drug's risk and approved uses.

In 2009, Bayer was cited once again for sending low-quality batches of drosperinone to doctors and pharmacies. Bayer justified the shipments by explaining that they monitor the "average" quality of all shipments, not the quality of each individual batch.

Women throughout the country have suffered numerous adverse effects from taking Yaz. Many lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, stating that they overstated the benefits of Yaz."

Yaz has managed to become the top selling birth control pill in the United States, due to the marketing campaigns that not only promote Yaz as a way to prevent pregnancy, but also as a quality of life treatment; improving depression and acne.

Even if Bayer was to strengthen the warning statement on their birth control, who knows if that would even work to make people take a second look. It seems as if people feel that less acne outweighs the possible risk of fatal blood clots.

To read more of the article on Bayer's birth control in NPR's Shot blog, click here.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP