Yasmin and Yaz: 2 New Studies Confirm the Worst
August 20th, 2009. By LucyC
The evidence is mounting—evidence that shows the risk for developing potentially lethal blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in women taking new generation hormonal contraception is much higher than in women taking older generation oral contraceptives.
Two new studies published on the British Medical Journal’s website this month point to a higher incidence of DVT in women taking pills containing desogestrel (e.g., Cyclessa from Organon) and drospirenone (e.g., Yaz from Bayer Healthcare).
In one of the studies, conducted in the Netherlands, the researchers found a 6.3 fold increased risk for venous thrombosis (VT) associated with drospirenone—one of the hormones in Yaz/Yasmin—compared with rates for VT in non-users. That means the risk for VT increases 6 times above that seen in women not taking drospirenone.
Researchers involved in the second study, from Denmark, found a 1.64 increased risk for VT associated with drosperinone.
The researchers from the Netherlands concluded:
“Currently available oral contraceptives still have a major impact on thrombosis occurrence and many women do not use the safest brands with regard to risk of venous thrombosis.”
While this may not seem like good news on the surface, the data can serve as a warning for women considering their options when it comes to oral contraception.
Of course, it’s not good news for women who have experienced a potentially life-threatening event while taking Yasmin or Yaz. However, in that circumstance there are legal options for consideration.
At the end of the day it seems the Romans got it right after all when they coined the phrase ‘Caveat Emptor’—’Buyer Beware.’
