Yaz and Yasmin birth control combine a synthetic progestin called drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). According to an August 2009 study published by the British Medical Journal, combining these two hormones sharply raises the risk of suffering blood clots. Researchers found the combination yielded a 6.3-fold increase compared to not using birth control pills. Taking Yaz can lead to a blood clot that forms within a deep vein (typically, the leg or thigh), a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
If Yasmin or Yaz DVT is left untreated, the clot can detach itself and be carried along with your bloodstream. If the embolus (a wandering clot) reaches a pulmonary artery, it may cause a pulmonary embolism. If it reaches a coronary artery, it might trigger a heart attack. If it travels to a carotid artery and prevents blood from reaching your brain, you will likely suffer a stroke.
Below, I’ll provide an overview of common forms of treatment for Yasmin and Yaz DVT. They include medications, surgery, and less invasive procedures.
Preventing Future Clots With Anticoagulants
Once you are diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your doctor will prescribe one or more anticoagulants (also called blood thinners). Their purpose is twofold: to prevent the existing clot from growing larger and to prevent future clots from forming. The two most common blood thinners used to treat DVT are heparin and Coumadin (also called warfarin). Heparin is administered directly into a vein (i.e. injection or IV) and has an immediate effect. Coumadin is taken in pill form and produces results within a few days.
It’s important to note that blood thinners do not dissolve Yaz blood clots. That is the job of thrombolytic drugs.
Dissolving Existing Clots With Thrombolytics
If the blood clot is large and presents severe symptoms or a life-threatening circumstance, your doctor may suggest thrombolysis. Medications called thrombolytics are administered intravenously. These drugs can quickly dissolve existing clots. However, because they also carry a risk of bleeding and stroke, physicians will only recommend their use if your life is in danger.
Vena Cava Filters: An Alternative To Anticoagulants
When anticoagulants fail to prevent clotting, or you’re not a suitable candidate for them, your doctor may recommend a vena cava filter. There is a large vein within your abdomen that carries blood to your lungs and heart. It is called the vena cava. A vascular surgeon can use a catheter to position a filter within the vena cava. The filter will catch wandering clots (called emboli) before they can reach a pulmonary or coronary artery.
Preventing Pooling With Elastic Compression Stockings
A Yaz DVT can cause swelling within your leg as blood pools in the clot site. An elastic compression stocking can be worn around your lower leg to prevent pooling and further clotting. It extends from your ankle to the bottom of your knee, applying a graduated level of pressure. The stocking is tightest near your ankle which encourages blood to move upward toward your heart.
Venous Thrombectomy: Dealing With Severe Yaz DVT
Though rare, deep vein thrombosis can be so severe that invasive surgery is necessary to preserve the patient’s life. The condition is called phlegmasia cerulea dolens; it is unresponsive to anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and other non-surgical treatment paths. Left untreated, it can lead to gangrene. A surgeon can perform a venous thrombectomy to surgically remove the clot from within the deep vein.
Blood clots are common when taking oral contraceptives that contain estrogen. The hormone drospirenone presents a higher risk. If you or someone you love has suffered from blood clots that have led to Yaz DVT, you may have legal rights. Contact a Yaz attorney to discuss them.
