Law firm goes after birth control blunder
Women using Yasmin or Yaz
birth control may be at a higher
risk for health problems, including
pulmonary embolism, deep vein
thrombosis, stroke, heart issues,
gallbladder removal and more.
Over hundreds of women throughout Canada have been coming forward to talk about the true side effects of these particular brands of birth control, both manufactured by Bayer. These also happen to be the two most popular brands of birth control in Canada, with over two million prescriptions filled for them for women in Canada in 2009.
Siskinds LLP of London has spearheaded a class action lawsuit against Bayer.
"Bayer maintains to the public that the risks (of taking Yasmin and Yaz) are the same (as other birth control brands). The trial would come down to proving that the risks are higher and they know this or should have known," explained Matt Baer, counsel at Siskinds.
The law firm received its first call about the birth control over a year ago, from a woman with a blood clot. But because they receive many calls per week and blood clots are a normal side effect of birth control use, they didn't consider this situation as a serious issue, said Baer. But when they started getting more calls more frequently, they realized it wasn't just a one-time problem.
The law firm has set up a Facebook account for women to tell their stories. So far, almost 2,500 women have signed up.
The case is waiting to be certified, and the Facebook page allows them to get the word out to the demographic that is likely using these products.
"This certainly isn't meant to scare anyone. It's still a small risk comparatively, but it's so people can make informed decisions," said Baer.
Women who are taking Yasmin or Yaz birth control can visit the page at www.facebook.com/takeyourbodyback. Those who use these brands can fill out a questionnaire and be eligible for compensation if the case against Bayer succeeds. To do so, contact Siskinds at www.siskinds.com.
Over hundreds of women throughout Canada have been coming forward to talk about the true side effects of these particular brands of birth control, both manufactured by Bayer. These also happen to be the two most popular brands of birth control in Canada, with over two million prescriptions filled for them for women in Canada in 2009.
Siskinds LLP of London has spearheaded a class action lawsuit against Bayer.
"Bayer maintains to the public that the risks (of taking Yasmin and Yaz) are the same (as other birth control brands). The trial would come down to proving that the risks are higher and they know this or should have known," explained Matt Baer, counsel at Siskinds.
The law firm received its first call about the birth control over a year ago, from a woman with a blood clot. But because they receive many calls per week and blood clots are a normal side effect of birth control use, they didn't consider this situation as a serious issue, said Baer. But when they started getting more calls more frequently, they realized it wasn't just a one-time problem.
The law firm has set up a Facebook account for women to tell their stories. So far, almost 2,500 women have signed up.
The case is waiting to be certified, and the Facebook page allows them to get the word out to the demographic that is likely using these products.
"This certainly isn't meant to scare anyone. It's still a small risk comparatively, but it's so people can make informed decisions," said Baer.
Women who are taking Yasmin or Yaz birth control can visit the page at www.facebook.com/takeyourbodyback. Those who use these brands can fill out a questionnaire and be eligible for compensation if the case against Bayer succeeds. To do so, contact Siskinds at www.siskinds.com.
