M.G. asks from Flower Mound, TX on November 22, 2009
Yasmine Birth Control Pill
Hi Moms,
I take the birth control pill Yasmine. Recently, it has been in the news that Yasmine, its generic pill, Ocella, and Yaz, is/can be very harmful for your health. It can cause blood clots, heart attacks, and even death. Do any of you know anything about this? Thank you.
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R.W. answers from Dallas on November 22, 2009
A friend of mine got a blood clot that went to her brain. She is now paralized from it. But I know three other people that took it, and are just fine. So it is just like any other drug out there. There is always a chance that something can happen. Just be cautious.
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N.F. answers from Grand Rapids on November 23, 2009
I am also on it and was very concerned when I started to see those commercials. I went straight to my Doc. because I also have high blood pressure (which is controlled with meds) and also alittle over weight. He said like others there is a risk with any birth control. And the risk is very low. As long as my blood pressure stayed normal everything should be fine. I was on it for 3 years before my son who is two and have been back on it for just over a year. I love it i have no horrible side affect like other i had been on in the past. I would say talk to your Doc. if you still concerned. They know your health history!!
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A.C. answers from Dallas on November 23, 2009
I've mentioned it 2 or 3 times over the past couple years about Yasmine and Yaz , but I took Yasmine for a couple years with no issues (uh, except that I got PREGNANT when put on antibiotics and I didn't know they counteract each other, lol---a happy surprise though). After the baby came and I was back on the pill, I was seeing commercials (which they have recently been forced to reword and clarify) that promised a lot of really great things with YAZ, which is NOT Yasmine, but a change in the original. I asked the doctor about it because at the time (2 years ago) the commercials sounded quite appealing. (No PMS feelings, etc). I had NEVER had PMS until after my son was born, my husband and family could vouch for that, so I thought this would get me to my old "pre-motherhood" self. He put me on Yaz for about a month and I went completely psycho. I was depressed, extemely suicidal, simply horrible. It was scary. I tried to keep it secret because I knew it was wrong and not me, but when I finally confided the thoughts, plans, and FEELINGS that I was experiencing to my husband, he asked when they started. I told him and that was about a week after taking the new pill. We got off the pill that very day and went back to Yasmine, which changed everything dramatically within a couple days, and within a week or so I was completely back to normal: it was indeed the way my body reacted to YAZ. I'm not the only person this has happened too; I've had discussions with others from mamasource about this a few times. As for bloodclots and all that, as others have said ALL the birthcontrol pills increase that risk. I didn't think anything of it because they all have that risk, so I didn't think about it when I had knee surgery in June '08 and though the doctor knew I was on the pill (in writing, on 4 pages of paperwork), he didn't tell me to get stop taking the pill or anything of the sort. He also failed to give me a preventative blood thinner. I caught blood clots all throughout my leg (from ankle to groin), lost my job because I was hospitalized for a full week, and couldn't work for 6 months after that, had to put my son in childcare for much of that time, etc...it was a big mess. I am now permanently off the pill and throughout this pregnancy (my 2nd, and planned), I've had to take a preventative blood thinner injection every night. (Rules if you've had blood clots, to make sure it doesn't happen again). The bad thing is that because of legislation that went through when Bush was governor, I was not able to have any legal recourse (lawyer said it wasn't worth the time because of all the rules). Something about making medical malpractice suits SO difficult that you basically have to die or be the main breadwinner for the family before it would be worth anyone's time. I'm fine, healthy, and happy now, but that was certainly an "eventful" year. Truthfully, I like NOT being on the pill now. My husband is going to get a vasectomy after our baby is born (this week!) as we've decided that's the best path for OUR family. I know this was long, but that's my experience with the 2 drugs you've mentioned. In my opinion, yasmine was a lot better. But it's all in how your body reacts to things....everyone's body chemistry is slightly different.
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J.T. answers from Dallas on November 23, 2009
M.,
EVERY birth control pill can cause these things. But, YAZ, and those similar to it, can cause more heart related issues due to the increase in potassium. Every prescription will has side effects, even the Pill. Don't kid yourself, its still a drug.
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J.N. answers from Lubbock on November 23, 2009
M.,
The hormones in all birth control pills increase your chances for blood clots which can cause a stroke or heart attack,etc. You are at highest risk if you are over 35 and a smoker. Obesity and high cholesterol also increases your chances for clots.
Of course, most people will be fine. On the other hand, you can be like me and not take the pill or have any risk factors but still has a stroke at a young age.
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R.W. answers from Dallas on November 22, 2009
A friend of mine got a blood clot that went to her brain. She is now paralized from it. But I know three other people that took it, and are just fine. So it is just like any other drug out there. There is always a chance that something can happen. Just be cautious.
1 mom found this helpful
T.T. answers from Dallas on November 23, 2009
I am a 40 yr old non smoker (and never have) who is a bit overweight and took yasmine (Yaz) for the better part of 3 years with no issues.
I think if you feel uncomfortable taking it, have your dr change it.
I have been taking vaious (pills) for close to 17 years and they ALL have risks as with any other prescription drug. Read all you can, stay informed, talk to your Dr.
Good luck to you.
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T.H. answers from Dallas on November 23, 2009
Hi M.,
Just to let you know any birth control pill can cause blood clots, stroke and all the other problems that you have seen on TV. If you read your insert you would have noticed that. That ad is being run by a plantiff law firm trying to make a fast buck.
Please read your insert and talk with your Doctor. Like I side ANY birth control pill has quite a few side effects when it comes to heart attack, strokes, blood clots and others.
T.
P.M. answers from Dallas on November 23, 2009
All birth control pills have the risk of blot clots. This is nothing new.
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