Girard Gibbs LLP and the Danko Law Firm File a Federal Lawsuit against the Makers of Yaz and Yasmin

The lawsuit, captioned Galinis v. Bayer Corp. et al 09-cv-4980, is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges that Bayer and Berlex knew of the serious health risks associated with the hormone drospirenone (or "drsp") contained in both Yaz and Yasmin, and failed to adequately warn the public about these risks. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that women who take Yasmin or Yaz birth control (also known by the generic name Ocella) are at a greater risk of developing severe health problems, including blood clots, strokes, pulmonary embolism, gallbladder problems, and other severe health complications than with other oral contraceptives.

Beginning in 2003, the FDA issued three warning letters to the drug manufacturers for false and misleading television advertisements about Yasmin and Yaz. The FDA found that several Yasmin and Yaz advertisements minimized the health risks associated with these medications, while promoting them for the treatment of conditions that the FDA had not approved.

In 2008, Susan Galinis was the healthy mother of 3-year-old twins. In order to control menstrual pain, her doctor prescribed her the oral contraceptive Yaz. Four weeks and one day after she began taking Yaz, Galinis suffered a stroke. Surgeons were forced to remove part of her skull to accommodate the brain swelling, which had already caused her permanent brain damage. Galinis was hospitalized for six months. As a result of the brain damage, her IQ has dropped to 77, rendering her mentally handicapped. A counselor had to be brought in to help her twins adjust to the change in their mother.

"Susan Galinis's case is a prime example of the harm that can result in women who take Yasmin or Yaz birth control pills," said Michael Danko, one of the lead counsel for Ms. Galinis. "We intend to prove in court that Bayer and Berlex are responsible for the harm that their medication caused to our client and her family. Ms. Galinis's life will never be the same as a result of the injuries she suffered after taking Yaz."

"Drug manufacturers have a duty to accurately report to patients and their doctors the health risks associated with the use of their medications so that patients can make informed decisions. We believe that in the case of Yaz and Yasmin, women were not adequately informed as to the safety of these medications and, unfortunately, many women have suffered serious health problems as a result," said Daniel Girard, one of the lead attorneys litigating Galinis's case.

Consumers who have suffered health complications after taking Yaz or Yasmin and would like more information about the lawsuit may contact Girard Gibbs LLP (www.GirardGibbs.com/yazlawyers.asp), The Danko Law Firm (www.dankolaw.com), or call 866-981-4800. Girard Gibbs LLP is one of the nation's leading firms in prosecuting class actions and other lawsuits on behalf of consumers. The Danko Law firm is a leading Northern California plaintiff's personal injury firm.

SOURCE: Girard Gibbs LLP

Girard Gibbs LLP 
Daniel Girard, 415-981-4800 
Michael Danko, 650-342-6100