Yasmin and Blood Clots
The manufacturer of Yasmin (drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol) warns women who take this drug about the potential increased risk of developing dangerous blood clots. The possibility of increasing the risk of blood clots is also a concern with other hormonal contraceptives.
What Studies Say
Recent studies indicate women who use newer birth control pills especially those that contain drosperinone (such as Yasmin) have higher chances of developing blood clots that compared to those who use older versions.
A couple of studies reveal that the risk of developing venous thromboembolism is two to three times higher in women who use birth control pills that contain drospirenone than those who use an older synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel. Thromboembolism is a serious medical condition wherein the blood clot in a vein, usually in the legs, dislodges and travels across the body eventually causing a fatal blockage of the lung arteries.
Despite these findings, the manufacturer of Yasmin – Bayer – and some health experts consider the overall risk of blood clotting as low. According to its manufacturer, Yasmin is safe for use as backed up by years of scientific and well-controlled studies and evidence. Furthermore, Bayer points out that these recent studies that assess the blood clotting risk of drospirenone are ‘flawed’ and thus have resulted in inconsistent findings. Some studies published in recent years show elevated risk while others indicate drospirenone is just as safe as older birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel.
Although the Bayer considers this drug safe, the labels of Yasmin includes a risk warning about the possibility of developing blood clot. Healthcare providers are also advised to discuss to their clients this health risk and how it can be prevented.
Recommendations
If you are prescribed with Yasmin, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have history of blood clots. Usually, women who have had blood clots are prescribed with other birth control method. Also, discuss with your healthcare provider if you are expecting or planning to undergo surgery or if you will be inactive or immobilized for a long period of time (such as an illness or accident). Prolonged inactivity together with use of combination hormone contraceptives may further increase your risk of developing blood clots.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience adverse effects that include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or heaviness, trouble with vision or speech, pain in the calf, sudden severe headache, coughing up of blood, or numbness or weakness in one arm or leg. These symptoms may indicate blood clot or thromboembolism which can be fatal if left untreated.
