Beyaz Birth Control Approved Amid Concerns About Blood Clots from Yaz
The FDA has approved a new birth control pill from Bayer Healthcare Phamaceuticals, Inc., which includes a folate supplement. The new pill, which will be marketed as Beyaz, was approved amid growing concerns about the increased risk of blood clots and other injuries from side effects of Yaz and Yasmin birth control, which contain the same “fourth” generation progestin that will be used in Beyaz.
Beyaz will contain a combination ethinyl estradiol, which is used in a number of oral birth control pills, and drosirenone, which is a newer type of progestin that is currently only found in Yaz, Yasmin and their generic equivalents. The new pill will also include levomefolate calcium, which is designed to increase folate levels in women to help prevent neural tube birth defects.
The FDA granted drug approval for Beyaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate calcium) on Friday, as the first birth control pill approved in the United States that contains a means to raise folate levels in women. Each pill contains 451 mcg of levomefolate calcium.
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Learn MoreBeyaz is a new version of Yaz, which has grown in popularity in recent years following heavy direct-to-consumer advertisements by Bayer. Together, Yaz and Yasmin currently account for approximately 25% of the oral birth control market in the United States. However, in recent months, sales of the birth control pills have fallen.
A growing number of Yaz lawsuits and Yasmin lawsuits have been filed by women who allege that the drug maker failed to adequately warn about the increased risk of stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder disease and other potentially life-threatening side effects.
The increase risk of Yaz and Yasmin health problems appears to be linked to the use of drospirenone, according to complaints filed. Drospirenone can increase blood potassium levels, causing a condition known as hyperkalemia, which is known to cause heart problems and other issues. Lawsuits allege that Bayer failed to adequately research the risks associated with this “fourth” generation progestin or adequately warn women about the extent of the risk they may face compared to other oral birth control pills.
All federal Yaz litigation has been consolidated for pretrial proceedings as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL), under Chief Judge David Herndon in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. There are more than 2,000 cases currently pending in the Yaz/Yasmin MDL, but that number is expected to continue to climb as Yaz birth control lawyers review and file additional cases throughout the country. There are also about 400 lawsuits consolidated in a New Jersey mass tort, and a number of cases have also been consolidated in Pennsylvania state court.
As women begin taking Bayer’s new version of Yaz birth control, which will likely contain similar warnings about the risk of blood clots, Bayer may find itself facing a number of Beyaz lawsuits as well.
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35 Comments
RosieJanuary 24, 2014 at 3:12 pm
I started a sample pack of beyaz and 2 weeks later was in the er with 3 blood clots! Unreal! Why is this crap still being given to women?
ChristineNovember 24, 2013 at 5:16 am
I've been on Beyaz a year now and after reading reviews I am relieved and also shocked. I have been depressed, suicidal at times. (Which is not my typical, at all.) sleeplessness and I also have gained 18 lbs. in the last 12 months even though I eat healthy and workout 4-5 days a week. I will no longer use this pill or recommend it to anyone.
MariaJanuary 31, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Ever since starting this product, I have been suffering from skin sensitivity. When i got a sun burn, It felt like my skin was falling off it hurt so bad and when it was winter and 60 degres and below anything I touched made it feel like somone was pricking my fingertips with needles. I cant touch anything with out being in severe pain. If ther is anyone out there who is experiencing this same si[Show More]Ever since starting this product, I have been suffering from skin sensitivity. When i got a sun burn, It felt like my skin was falling off it hurt so bad and when it was winter and 60 degres and below anything I touched made it feel like somone was pricking my fingertips with needles. I cant touch anything with out being in severe pain. If ther is anyone out there who is experiencing this same side affect, I would love to know!!!!!!!!! PLEASE
SashaJanuary 7, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Yes ive been on my period for almost 3weeks and I would not RECOMEND anyone to take this it made me emotional depressed sad etc. no I would not take it again
SHEILADecember 12, 2012 at 6:07 pm
I HAVE BEEN BLEEDING SINCE OCT 28 SO DOCTER PUT ME ON BEYAZ I BEEN ON IT FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS AND NOW IAM CRAMPING REALY BAD AND BLEEDING MORE WITH BIG CLOTS FALLING OUT AND THE OTHER NIGHT I HAD TO GET OUT OF BED CUS MY CHEST WAS HURTING SO I DONT NO WHAT I SHOULD DO PLEASE HELP
patJune 18, 2012 at 6:58 pm
i had seroguil but rarly took it because it made me feel dizy, had diffficulty communicating, but it made me go to sleep quicmly so I took 1/4 of a tablet. Went to bathroom . --which was last I remember. My husbank found me some time later in a coma with all appearances of death--ie. purple color , freezsing skin unable to open eyes, or respond. 911 called, took long time to get body temperature[Show More]i had seroguil but rarly took it because it made me feel dizy, had diffficulty communicating, but it made me go to sleep quicmly so I took 1/4 of a tablet. Went to bathroom . --which was last I remember. My husbank found me some time later in a coma with all appearances of death--ie. purple color , freezsing skin unable to open eyes, or respond. 911 called, took long time to get body temperature up and I was in comotose state for probablu 10-18 hours. I was in ICU for full dau uner close observation. I was given seroquil to help with depression. I have only taken that 2 times an had funny reqction irst time. I don't believe Dr. even remembered I had that prescription. I have fybromylgia and depression that comes from my altered activity limitions. They did many tests and discoved a cloudy spot on left. lung and considered incident to be phenumonia related.. THE reaction came from the seroquil not the oxycontin always used to help pain from fibromylgia. Becacause of oxy use,, hostital dr forst thought it was drug over dose. I use oxy very carefully never exceeding prescription dosage or time frame. I have total memory loss of incident after taking pill untio 24 hours later. Woke up slowly and regained my speaking ability in a couple of hours after wking up. My husband disposed of seroquil so I was not able to get information of uee, or any other pertenent info..ie.d how many left date of script but never took more than 1/4 tab very infrequently..I experienced dxreme weight gain as well. I would never take or recommend anyone to use this drug. Please post first name only
BayleeJune 17, 2012 at 8:52 pm
I started taking Beyaz Birth Control 2 weeks ago. After a week into the pill, I experienced a full body rash which was extremely itch and painful. My palms of my hands and feet began swelling at night, I had a migraine daily, nausea, and a rapid heart beat. I thought at first I was suffering a sever allergic reaction to a food, but after being tested for allergies I came up with none. It was the B[Show More]I started taking Beyaz Birth Control 2 weeks ago. After a week into the pill, I experienced a full body rash which was extremely itch and painful. My palms of my hands and feet began swelling at night, I had a migraine daily, nausea, and a rapid heart beat. I thought at first I was suffering a sever allergic reaction to a food, but after being tested for allergies I came up with none. It was the Beyaz Birth Control. I stopped taking it immediately. I recommend stopping this pill if you begin to experience anything out of the norm with your body. I'm still in recovery and I've never felt worse.
APApril 30, 2012 at 6:50 am
I was on another pill then switched to beyaz for a few months only. Severe headaches occurred. Severe right leg pain for months which may have been related as well, and elevated potassium level which I noticed in my labwork. I felt horrible and was nervous about it so discontinued use of this pill.
ElizabethApril 20, 2012 at 12:46 am
I do NOT reccomend taking this birth control. I suffered from blood clots in my leg which also broke off into my lungs. I was just released from the hospital and am now on blood thinners for 6 months and on a no vitamin k diet. Please do your reseach befofe deciding on taking specifi birth control pills. I was lucky to have caught it early, there are many deaths reported because of this so please [Show More]I do NOT reccomend taking this birth control. I suffered from blood clots in my leg which also broke off into my lungs. I was just released from the hospital and am now on blood thinners for 6 months and on a no vitamin k diet. Please do your reseach befofe deciding on taking specifi birth control pills. I was lucky to have caught it early, there are many deaths reported because of this so please weigh the odds.
cutie>3pieApril 19, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Im been on beyaz for almost a month I didnt get a period yet..i had unprotected sex in the 7 day after I started the pill I dnt no if im pregnant ......can u help me
madelineJanuary 20, 2012 at 2:20 am
I've been on this pill for 3 weeks,usually my period last 3 or 4 days.,well its been 7 days, I never cramp during my menes ever ,well I'm cramping so bad as if I'm in labor all thanks to Bayez,and I'm still bleeding.This pill suck. I have stop taking it 2 days ago. I will be using condom.
CourtneyDecember 23, 2011 at 8:38 pm
I have been taking beyaz for two years know and have started experienceing leg cramps, severe headaches, dizziness, and nausia. I am know going to stop taking this medication. I had no idea that the medication was making me feel this way.This should be taken off the market!
porshaDecember 10, 2011 at 7:28 pm
I have been on this pill for a month and I am experiencing the same signs bleeding for a month and clotting, headaches, dizziness all the above I choosing another option for birth control
MichelleJuly 17, 2011 at 4:41 pm
I have been taking Beyaz for four months and started to have severe pain in my left leg when I would walk. Went to my doctor and I have a blood clot. I know the pamphlet said that it is possible to have a blood clot from this medicine but after only four months???? How did something like this get approved by the FDA? I have taken other birthcontrol pills and have never had any problems. This sho[Show More]I have been taking Beyaz for four months and started to have severe pain in my left leg when I would walk. Went to my doctor and I have a blood clot. I know the pamphlet said that it is possible to have a blood clot from this medicine but after only four months???? How did something like this get approved by the FDA? I have taken other birthcontrol pills and have never had any problems. This should be taken off the market.
KateJuly 2, 2011 at 3:18 am
I started taking BeYaz after the birth of my second child to prevent pregnancies. I had taken Yaz after the birth of my son but had no negative side effects, so when the doctor prescribed this bc I didn't see any problems with it. Although I just turned 30, I didn't think I would be at risk for any of the scary risk factors attributed to some birthcontrols since I am a healthy woman who maintains [Show More]I started taking BeYaz after the birth of my second child to prevent pregnancies. I had taken Yaz after the birth of my son but had no negative side effects, so when the doctor prescribed this bc I didn't see any problems with it. Although I just turned 30, I didn't think I would be at risk for any of the scary risk factors attributed to some birthcontrols since I am a healthy woman who maintains an active lifestyle and weight. I do not smoke or drink. I run or bike nearly every day. I have never been anxious or depressed and no serious medical conditions run in my family. Upon taking this medication I felt very anxious and nervous, which is so unlike me. I thought that maybe this was on account of getting used to two babies, which is much different from taking care of only one. After reading the reviews posted above I started to think twice about this medication. The kicker was that I got a strange rash all over my body when I first started taking these pills. I attributed it to poison ivy until it came back again. My family doctor said that it was not poision ivy (even though that's what the emergency room doctor said when he checked me out). He did some research and said that it could be "photosensitivity" to light, which is one of the side effects of this pill. I am done with BEYAZ! What a shotty product. And how about folic acid? If you are really considering getting pregnant quickly you should take a prenatle vitamin instead of wasting your time with this dangerous pill.
Carole MAApril 28, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I have been on BeYaz for 2 months, with no known problems. I was also on Yaz for a year without any problems. For one I HATE taking any medication, I never took BC until after my 3rd son. I only started Yaz because I heard a lot of good things along with not having to deal with weight gain, I lost all my baby weight and then some. Anyways, just like with ANY MEDICATION with ANYONE. It will affect [Show More]I have been on BeYaz for 2 months, with no known problems. I was also on Yaz for a year without any problems. For one I HATE taking any medication, I never took BC until after my 3rd son. I only started Yaz because I heard a lot of good things along with not having to deal with weight gain, I lost all my baby weight and then some. Anyways, just like with ANY MEDICATION with ANYONE. It will affect different people in different ways!!! If you are that stupid to stay on any medication that is causing you to feel different or not right, then I would have to say its your own damn fault if it gets worse, no1 forced any1 to stay on any meds!! These lawsuits are ridiculous!!! The way the system works makes me sick to my stomach. When it comes to any medication, I never stay on anything longer than 6 months, get off for a few months and use diff protection. When it comes to this pill, you can either start it on the day your period comes or the Sunday following. I realized, for me atleast, starting it on the Sunday following, hopefully if your period is already gone, is way better than starting it on the day of your period. With me my period seems to last longer that first month if I start the day of my period. Also, get your potassium checked every few months to make sure it stays at a safe level. A lot can be prevented by YOU alone. FDA approved?!?! I dont even understand why we even care about what the FDA approves!!! Every other week you see a medication on a lawsuit commercial that has caused a lot of deaths, and other problems from FDA approved medications. WTF type of testing do they do on these meds and for how long?? These BC pills and others seem to cause problems on some people pretty quickly so I really wonder why FDA even exists. The government has marijuana classified as a scheduled 1 drug like METH. I dont care what anyone "THINKS", weed is safer than MOSTLY ALL FDA approved drugs. And for anyone wanting to start this DRUG or any other..., I guess its just me who pays attention to the commercials about these pills. All BC pills seem to have almost all the same side effects with blood clots, strokes, etc and higher for smokers. So most should have already known the side effects BEFORE starting, and then want to turn around and complain. Im 30 and a smoker, I really should quit. But if, God forbid, I have issues from this pill. Its kinda Fd up of me to blame any1 else and sue any1 cause it was my damn fault.
ChristineApril 7, 2011 at 11:18 pm
This was the first b.c. pill I'd ever been on, and I expected side effects, but I was completely unprepared for what I've been through the last 11 days. I also felt like I was having a miscarriage, the bleeding/clotting was terrible. I woke up extremely nauseaus in the middle of the night for 3 nights straight and developed leg cramps and weakness that made it difficult to walk. I went to the h[Show More]This was the first b.c. pill I'd ever been on, and I expected side effects, but I was completely unprepared for what I've been through the last 11 days. I also felt like I was having a miscarriage, the bleeding/clotting was terrible. I woke up extremely nauseaus in the middle of the night for 3 nights straight and developed leg cramps and weakness that made it difficult to walk. I went to the hospital on the 10th day at 5 a.m. concerned about not being able to walk and worried about blood clots. I was having numbness in my arms and chest pain. The e.r. dr. attributed the entire thing to a "reaction to medication", and the only thing possible causing all of this was the Beyaz. Today I'm on the 11th day of my period and I stopped taking it 2 days ago, I'm back to work and just getting the use of my legs back to the point I don't feel like I'm going to fall on the floor. It was a terrible experience, and if you are on this and experience any of this, get off it immediately. Maybe you can avoid the hospital.
cndyeyesApril 6, 2011 at 8:46 pm
I have been on Beyaz for 2 weeks now, and I would not recommend it to anyone from my experiences. Im having pregnancy-like symptoms that I feel a person shouldnt be having with a BC pill. Extreme fatigue, moodiness, nausea, vomitting. I also have been experiencing anxiety and depression. Im stopping this pill TODAY. I would going to wait it out, but after my episode of vomitting today, I no l[Show More]I have been on Beyaz for 2 weeks now, and I would not recommend it to anyone from my experiences. Im having pregnancy-like symptoms that I feel a person shouldnt be having with a BC pill. Extreme fatigue, moodiness, nausea, vomitting. I also have been experiencing anxiety and depression. Im stopping this pill TODAY. I would going to wait it out, but after my episode of vomitting today, I no longer will do that. I FEEL pregnant. Not a good pill! I WILL be switching to something else.
claudeApril 1, 2011 at 3:25 am
I started taking Beyaz about 3 weeks ago ever since my period started and it still has not stopped but for a minute after 5 days of having my menstrual flow i thought I was done only to notice clots coming out and everyday since then it has not stopped. It made me nauseous, tired, irritated, moody and I cant have sex! I called my doctor and he told me to stop taking them which i already had this p[Show More]I started taking Beyaz about 3 weeks ago ever since my period started and it still has not stopped but for a minute after 5 days of having my menstrual flow i thought I was done only to notice clots coming out and everyday since then it has not stopped. It made me nauseous, tired, irritated, moody and I cant have sex! I called my doctor and he told me to stop taking them which i already had this past Saturday and the bleeding has not stopped luckily its not so heavy but it is bothering since everytime i go to the bathroom clots come out. I will just stick to condoms since these pills have so many side effects im scared i developed something and dont even know it yet....I am going in to see my OB/gyn tmrw and see whats going on with me.
KathleenMarch 20, 2011 at 3:02 am
I started to take byaz as a way to regulate my periods. I am a college runner and have irregular periods. After taking byaz for 3 weeks I had thru bleeding...more like a full period Lasting two plus weeks. I also have never experienced such extreme fatigue in my life. I had blood work to make sure it wasn't mono or anemia...all clear. The fatigue has worsened for the 3 weeks on byaz. I have sto[Show More]I started to take byaz as a way to regulate my periods. I am a college runner and have irregular periods. After taking byaz for 3 weeks I had thru bleeding...more like a full period Lasting two plus weeks. I also have never experienced such extreme fatigue in my life. I had blood work to make sure it wasn't mono or anemia...all clear. The fatigue has worsened for the 3 weeks on byaz. I have stopped taking it..I am not sexual active. Maybe I am the small percentage who experiences the extreme fatigue...pretty miserable when you sleep 8 plus hours and just want to sleep all day. I know this pill works for a lot of folks...but the symptoms are real. I hope I feel better soon:)
SRedMarch 15, 2011 at 3:57 am
I was on Beyaz for about 1 week before experiencing severe chest pains and heaviness. I called my ob/gyn who thought at first it might just be mitro-valve. After experiencing the pain again, he took me off of this pill. I am going to see another doctor on Thursday and after a week of being off of it, the pains are still there. I never had these pains before.
MaryFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:28 pm
I was on Beyaz for only 2 weeks for my ovarian cyst. But from the first day I had a racing heart, and trouble breathing, and strange leg cramps when laying down. I called the doctor who immediately switched me off of it. I know you're supposed to wait a few packs before judging a pill, but I simply couldn't ignore those scary symptoms. Hopefully the next pill will affect me differently. I wish the[Show More]I was on Beyaz for only 2 weeks for my ovarian cyst. But from the first day I had a racing heart, and trouble breathing, and strange leg cramps when laying down. I called the doctor who immediately switched me off of it. I know you're supposed to wait a few packs before judging a pill, but I simply couldn't ignore those scary symptoms. Hopefully the next pill will affect me differently. I wish the doctors would have told me about the increased risks when taking a Bayer BCP.
KellyFebruary 15, 2011 at 4:37 am
I just hope that MissChievousRN isn't a nurse after making a dumb comment like that. If you are a nurse I'm really glad you aren't mine. You people need to read about these things and research things before you make comments. It has the folate in it for women of child baring age so that if and when they do decided to have children, they will be healthy pregnancies and babies. If you don't ever [Show More]I just hope that MissChievousRN isn't a nurse after making a dumb comment like that. If you are a nurse I'm really glad you aren't mine. You people need to read about these things and research things before you make comments. It has the folate in it for women of child baring age so that if and when they do decided to have children, they will be healthy pregnancies and babies. If you don't ever plan on having children, then don't worry about it and take something else. But don't make comments that will discourage women from taking this and try to make the product look bad when they are trying to help women have healthier babies. That's just wrong and you need to keep the bad comments to yourself unless you have some self evidence of some bad side effects.
ChristinaFebruary 5, 2011 at 12:35 am
I have been having severe headaches on Beyaz. I am in my second month in taking it, and I have never felt so tired/nauseous/headachey on a birth control pill.
LizFebruary 4, 2011 at 3:54 am
I have been on Beyaz for 5 months now and I love it. I have my period regularly. I have not experienced any abnormal bleeding at all. My periods last about 2 days and they are very light. I love this medication!
cloaked1January 28, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Beyaz is for beatches when they are beatchy? WTF are the marketing geniuses at Bayer thinking?!? This is a hugh joke!
MissChievousRNJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:58 am
what the heck is the point of adding folate to prevent neural tube birth defects in a BIRTH CONTROL PILL???? seriously????
AngieJanuary 26, 2011 at 6:57 pm
I just want to say to any on here who are experiencing abnormal bleeding and odd symptoms that are not going away, after taking any of these birth control pills, please STOP taking them and contact your doctor. Bother your doctor until they find out what is happening, if the symptoms persist. Your bodies are trying to tell you something. These meds are not everything they are claimed to be. There [Show More]I just want to say to any on here who are experiencing abnormal bleeding and odd symptoms that are not going away, after taking any of these birth control pills, please STOP taking them and contact your doctor. Bother your doctor until they find out what is happening, if the symptoms persist. Your bodies are trying to tell you something. These meds are not everything they are claimed to be. There are lawsuits going on right now for a reason. Get off these meds, ASAP.
BFJanuary 26, 2011 at 12:04 am
I was on Beyaz for 2 months and I ended up in the hospital with a DVT and a pulmonary embolism. There is no family history, I'm otherwise healthy and there are no other reasons for me to have developed this other than Beyaz. The increased risk is real. Don't think it can't happen to you! Thanks a lot, Bayer!
No More!January 21, 2011 at 4:23 am
I to experienced severe bleeding/ clots and extremely bad cramps. I started taking beyaz in the middle of november 2010. I started spotting around december 19th... dec 23rd it turned into a flow... from there it got worse! I've been pregnant once in my life and it ended in miscarriage @ 6wks... that is the only thing I can think of to compare the amount of bleeding/cramping/cloting I expierence[Show More]I to experienced severe bleeding/ clots and extremely bad cramps. I started taking beyaz in the middle of november 2010. I started spotting around december 19th... dec 23rd it turned into a flow... from there it got worse! I've been pregnant once in my life and it ended in miscarriage @ 6wks... that is the only thing I can think of to compare the amount of bleeding/cramping/cloting I expierenced while taking this drug.
MEJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Im going on my second month of Beyaz and i dont see that there is a problem with it. i have PCOS and im also on a Metformin regime so you can imagine the cost I was taking another form of the Pill but it got too expensive because it was on the 3rd tier of my pharmacy list and it was $60 a month for me. My OB/GYN suggested that i take this one and i have seen anything wrong with it so far if anyt[Show More]Im going on my second month of Beyaz and i dont see that there is a problem with it. i have PCOS and im also on a Metformin regime so you can imagine the cost I was taking another form of the Pill but it got too expensive because it was on the 3rd tier of my pharmacy list and it was $60 a month for me. My OB/GYN suggested that i take this one and i have seen anything wrong with it so far if anything comes up oh ill be sure to let everyone know
SarahJanuary 12, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I've been on Beyaz for two months now and my periods are down to two days a month with only a moderate/light flow. So I think it really depends on the person and how the drugs interact within their system. The only major side effect with my is the day before my period, where anything, literally anything, will make me cry. That only lasts a day though.
natalieJanuary 8, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Im about two weeks in with Beyaz and i am also bleeding not a lot but enough. I have also been sick to my stomach, headaches, and fatigued. Im really hoping this gets better. I had the IUD and im thinking that was better now.
worriedDecember 24, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I just took Beyaz for a month and nine days. I ended up getting severe bleeding on the the ninth day that did not go away, and while writing this have still not gone away, I am now in day 4 and don't know when it will end. Filling 8-10 pads a day, it never seems like the bleeding and clotting will end, Ended up in the hospital with fatigue, feelings like I was going to pass out and extreme c[Show More]I just took Beyaz for a month and nine days. I ended up getting severe bleeding on the the ninth day that did not go away, and while writing this have still not gone away, I am now in day 4 and don't know when it will end. Filling 8-10 pads a day, it never seems like the bleeding and clotting will end, Ended up in the hospital with fatigue, feelings like I was going to pass out and extreme cramps. The period I had experienced on the first month of this medication were also quite severe with cramps and bleeding. I know everyone experiences birth control differently but would not recommend Beyez based on my experience. This has been and continues to be into the Christmas and New Years holiday a complete nightmare.
meDecember 1, 2010 at 11:26 pm
I have been on YAZ for about 5 years and its the best thing as far as birth control. I have been on so many others that havent worked for me and this has helped me with my ance and heavy periods. This birth control pill was a life saver for me.