Women have many options for birth control these days, but in recent years, some types have proven more likely to cause dangerous side effects. While every form of hormonal birth control carries risks, some forms may present a higher possibility of suffering adverse effects than others. When manufacturers fail to make this information evident to medical providers and their patients, preventable injuries can occur.
If you took oral contraception and suffered a serious medical condition as a result, a Los Angeles birth control pills lawyer can help you determine if you have a case. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to talk to our legal team.
Approved Uses of Birth Control Pills
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first birth control pill for the prevention of pregnancy, many pharmaceutical companies have manufactured different types and forms of contraception for women. The Center for Young Women’s Health notes that because of their role in hormonal regulation, medical providers discovered the effectiveness of birth control pills in treating a range of medical conditions in women and girls, including:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Menstrual cramps
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Acne
- Turner Syndrome
- Endometriosis
If you or your child took a birth control pill to regulate a medical condition and suffered a serious side effect as a result, a Los Angeles birth control pills lawyer can help you build your case.
Link Between Birth Control Pills and Blood Clots
In a 2013 meta-analysis of 26 different studies, researchers found that all combination birth control pills, which contain both progesterone and estrogen, presented a higher risk of venous thrombosis (blood clot) in otherwise healthy women. Blood clots increase a woman’s risk of heart attack or stroke, and according to the National Blood Clot Alliance, the symptoms may feel similar to a pulled muscle. They include:
- Swelling of the leg or arm
- Redness and tenderness
- Cramp-like pain
- Warm to the touch
If a patient with a blood clot does not seek immediate medical attention, the clots can break off and travel into the lungs, where they can restrict breathing and potentially result in death.
Long-Term Use
While doctors approve the use of birth control pills by many patients for a number of consecutive years, the potential side effects of extended use vary based on the type and brand of birth control, as well as the patient’s medical history. According to Healthline, patients over the age of 35 face a higher risk of more serious side effects, including blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Pills Containing Drospirenone
Some birth control pills contain drospirenone, a type of synthetic estrogen created in a laboratory to mimic the effects of natural estrogen. However, a 2018 study on the safety of drospirenone found that not only may the ingredient contribute to a higher risk of “thrombotic events” such as blood clots, but it may do so without physician and patient awareness. Birth control pill brands that contain drospirenone include:
- YAZ
- Yaz 28
- Yazmin
- Ocella
Doctors regularly prescribe these brands of birth control to prevent pregnancy and treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne in patients ages 14 and up.
In the State of California, patients of all ages have a right to access birth control without parental consent or a doctor’s prescription, and the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department allows women to access birth control at no cost. According to a 2012 study, programs like these may contribute to a significant decrease in unwanted pregnancies. However, awareness of side effects should play a critical role in making decisions about contraception. If you or your teenager accessed birth control through a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or community resource and suffered a blood clot or other dangerous side effect as a result, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us online, and our legal team will respond as soon as possible to speak with you about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Birth Control Pills Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Birth Control Pills and Cancer Risks
The National Cancer Institute collected information from numerous studies to determine the risks associated with taking birth control pills and developing certain types of cancer. In some instances, the results showed promise. While birth control pills may reduce the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, they contribute to an increased risk of breast and cervical cancers. The extent of the increase depends on how long the patient uses birth control, but researchers found up to a 60% increase for both types of cancer in long-term users.
If a doctor diagnosed you with breast or cervical cancer that may have a link to oral contraception, a Los Angeles birth control pills lawyer can help you gather evidence for your case.
Los Angeles Birth Control Pills Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
How an Attorney Can Help You
Proving the connection between birth control pills and your medical condition may present a challenge. It takes a substantial amount of time and effort, and without prior experience or knowledge of the California legal system, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. A lawyer can lighten your burden by helping you prove liability, collect documentation, and seek compensation in court on your behalf. Types of financial awards you can pursue may include:
- Medical bills and other healthcare expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one as the result of birth control side effects, you may also qualify for funeral and burial expenses as well as financial compensation for loss of companionship.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand how difficult it may be for you to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. If you, your child, or another loved one suffered serious harm as a result of birth control pills, we can help you pursue accountability and financial awards. Contact our legal team today at (800) 794-0444 to get started on your case.
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