Yaz® differs from other forms of birth control because it contains drospirenone, a progestin hormone that increases potassium levels in the bloodstream.  Yasmin® is a similar birth control that was released in 2001; it contains the same hormones and has the same health effects.

Dangerous Side Effects 

Yaz® has been linked to serious health effects such as:  death, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, liver tumors, and gallbladder disease.  The  Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to the manufacturer regarding YAZ® and how they minimized the risks of using the product.

The FDA also warns, “Moreover, YAZ® has additional risks because it contains the progestin, drospirenone. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid properties which can lead to hyperkalemia in high risk patients, which may result in potentially serious heart and health problems. Women taking YAZ® must be concerned about the drug interactions that could increase potassium, in addition to the drug interactions common to all combination oral contraceptives.”