
Regarding the death of Rhonda Bergen from British Columbia (reported Feb. 7, 2013), Dr. Malik adds that morbid obesity increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and DVT. Likewise, if you have a family history or problems with blood clotting. And age is a risk, especially with women over 40. And a big risk for smokers. All these attributes have to be factored into the risk/benefit ratio of women who are taking oral contraceptives, particularly those containing drospirenone. “There are many other forms of birth control that are safer, such as condoms and diaphragms. (IUDs aren’t a free ride either),” he adds.
As for the doctor at the hospital not finding pulmonary embolism on Rhonda Bergen’s x-ray, Dr. Malik adds that ordinary chest x-rays are not a diagnostic for a pulmonary embolism.
“The gold standard is an ultra-fast spiral CT Scan of the chest,” he says, “and obviously an ultrasound is required to detect a DVT. Pulmonary embolism is a clinical diagnosis based on a history of symptoms, physical exams, and special investigations including CT scan of the chest or V/Q lung scan.”
Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella Litigation Update
READ MORE YASMIN BIRTH CONTROL LEGAL NEWS
He says that gallbladder claims have not settled and there is no indication from Bayer that they will settle anytime soon. “Likewise for arterial embolic events, including arterial stroke and peripheral embolization, are not being considered for settlement at this time. Also, thromboembolic injuries from another oral contraceptive made by Bayer, Beyaz, is not being considered for settlement at this time.
“There is an indication that other Yaz generic drugs by the name of Gianvi, Sayeda, Loryna, and Vestura are going to be subjected to dismissal based on the Mensing decision, which basically means that generic drugs are subject to federal preemption.” In other words, you cannot sue based on failure to warn. But you can still sue Bayer.