Yaz is linked to Heart Attack

What is Yaz used for?

 

Yaz (Yasmin), manufactured by Bayer, is a birth control pill used for preventing pregnancy, treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and to treat acne in women who also want to prevent pregnancy.  This oral contraceptive is classified as a fourth-generation pill.  Yaz contains two hormones known as estrogen and progestin.  This oral contraceptive works by preventing the maturation and release of eggs from the ovary (ovulation).  This drug also thickens the mucus of the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and making it more difficult for an embryo to embed into the uterine wall if a fertilized egg is released.  

 

Yaz is different from other birth control pills in that the progesterone in the pill is in the form of drospirenone, which has an anti-androgenic effect.  Androgens are male hormones like testosterone.  Women also produce testosterone but generally not as much as males.  Testosterone may cause acne, which some women would like to prevent.   Drospirenone is used to inhibit testosterone so that you are less likely to experience acne breakouts.  A side effect of drospirenone is that it may increase the levels of potassium in your blood, increasing the risk of heart attack.

 

Older forms of birth control pills have 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills whereas Yaz has 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills.  It has been demonstrated that having fewer inactive pills tends to lessen symptoms you experience just before and during your period.  Yaz has been demonstrated to be a very effective oral contraceptive in clinical trials as well as being very effective in treating PMDD and acne problems.

 

 

Yaz has a Number of Side Effects:

 

There are a number of side effects reported by physicians and women who have taken Yaz.  Serious side effects you need to look out for include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, gall bladder damage and inflammation of the pancreas.  Blood clots that originate in the lower leg may break loose and become lodged in your lungs causing pulmonary embolism, heart attack and stroke.  Blood clots have been reported in women who have no history of clotting problems.  These are life-changing effects, which may cause pain in the clot region, brain damage, create future pregnancy problems and an increased risk of developing more clots. 

 

If you have experienced a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, clotting problems or any other Yaz related illness while on Yaz you may be entitled to financial compensation. You may want to contact a Yaz lawyer to see if you qualify for a Yaz lawsuit.  Yaz lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.

View the Original article

Levaquin linked to Tendinitis

What is Levaquin?

 

Levaquin is a prescription drug used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections.  It is a member of the fluoroquinolone forms of antibiotics.  Levaquin is prescribed for bacterial infections found in your sinuses and bronchi.  It is also prescribed for skin infections and certain genitourinary infections.  This drug is not used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) commonly found in hospitals.  MRSA is known as a nosocomial infection.  Nosocomial infections are infections that you acquire when you are in the hospital.  Due to the overuse of antibiotics and disinfectants, resistant forms of bacteria are common in the clinical setting.  Your healthcare provider will have to rule out a viral infection and know that you have a bacterial infection, as Levaquin does not kill viruses.  Levaquin can be administered as a tablet, oral solution or intravenously.  Depending on your situation, your doctor will determine which is best for you.

 

You should let your doctor know if you are sensitive to fluoroquinolone drugs, as serious allergic reactions have been reported.  Let your physician know if you have had any organ transplants such as lung, kidney or heart, as this will increase your risk for certain adverse side effects such as tendonitis or tendon ruptures.      

 

Levaquin has also been known to generate liver damage.  If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes contact your doctor immediately as these are symptoms of damage to your liver.  Nervous system disorders have also been reported.  If you experience convulsions, confusion, insomnia, depression and anxiety contact your doctor.  Other nervous system disturbances include changes in sensation such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness.  These symptoms may indicate Levaquin induced nerve damage.  It is also possible you may experience diarrhea after your treatment is terminated.  This is not unusual with many antibiotics.  However, inflammation of the colon has been reported and may generate chronic diarrhea as well as bloody stools with cramping and fever.  There have been rare reports of heart arrhythmias, so if you have a past-history of abnormal heartbeats or low potassium levels let your doctor know.  He/she will have to monitor you closely.  Levaquin as well as a number of other antibiotics are known to create sun sensitivities.  You will want to stay away from excessive sunlight.  It is a good idea to wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn and inflammation on your skin.  Interestingly, Levaquin has been administered to infants 6 months or greater to treat inhaled anthrax, however, it has been reported these infants had an increase in joint complications.  Generally, Levaquin is administered to adults that are 18 years of age or older.

 

 

Levaquin Recall:

 

The FDA approved Levaquin, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, in 1996.  This antibiotic has been linked to an increased risk of tendon ruptures as well as permanent damage of the tendon.  The tendon most commonly affected while on Levaquin is the Achilles tendon found in the heel, but there are reports of tendon rupture in the shoulder, biceps, hand and thumb.  Levaquin lawsuits have been consolidated into a "multidistrict litigation" (MDL) and are scheduled for trial sometime this year.  Levaquin attorneys are reviewing and investigating potential lawsuits for Levaquin users who have experienced tendon ruptures.

 

The FDA has received information about Levaquin side effects since it was first put on the market.  In 2006, a Levaquin lawsuit was filed against the FDA indicating that the FDA had ignored warnings from numerous sources about placing warnings on Levaquin packaging.  Finally, in 2008, the FDA required a "black box" label be placed on all fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Levaquin.  The FDA also required all manufacturers of fluoroquinolone antibiotics to provide a medication guide warning patients and physicians of these side effects.  At this time, there is no Levaquin recall, but placing a "black box" warning on packaging may be a prelude to initiating a Levaquin recall.

 

If you have experienced tendonitis or a tendon rupture or any other tendon related illness while on Levaquin, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You may want to contact a Levaquin attorney to see if you qualify for a Levaquin lawsuit.

 

View the Original article