According to Wikipedia, there are more than 100 million women world on birth control pills. When taken correctly, they are 99.9% effective. Simplistically explained, the birth control pill works by using a small amount of synthetic hormones estradiol (estrogen) and to prevent ovulation.There are two types of birth control pills: a combination pill that contains estrogen and progesterone and a mini-pill that contains progesterone only. The mini-pills have a lower risk of side-effects than combination pills.

Yaz and Yasmin are top-selling birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Health Care. Due to a multi-million dollar campaign promoting Yas as a treatment for acne and severe premenstrual depression, it is the most popular birth control pill in the United States. Yaz contains even less estrogen than Yasmine and unlike other birth control pills, it uses a new form of synthetic progestin called drospireone.

Yaz and Yasmin are the only birth control pills manufactured in the United States that contain drospireone. Drospireone can increase blood potassium levels and may cause hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can affect heart rythyms and potentially lead to death. Individuals with pre-existing liver, kidney, and adrenal disease are more susceptible.

Since the beginning of 2004, the use of Yaz and Yasmin has been saddled with claims about adverse health effects and associated deaths. As of the latter part of 2008, the FDA has recieved 50 reports of associated deaths. Tragically, women as young as 17 years of age have died. Over 100 lawsuits have been filed, and more and more lawsuits are being filed each day. In addition to the associated deaths, the lawsuits are a result of Bayer's failure to warn the consumer of potential side-effects, misleading the public, failure to adequately research and test the drug prior to distribution, and the failure to recall the drug after problems were discovered. Adverse effects have included: heart arrythiamas, electrolyte imbalance, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, myocardial infarction, stoke, transient ischemic attack, blood clots, embolisms, gall bladder disease and sudden death.

While some researchers claim the risk for blood clots, stokes, and other health problems are higher in Yaz ad Yasmin than other birth control pills, a European study financed by Bayer claims the opposite. The European study claims the cardiovascular risks are comparable to the older formula of birth control pills containing levonorgestrel.

Earlier this year, the FDA issued a third warning that Bayer's advertising and marketing were misleading, exagerating the health benefits and either downplaying or not mentioning the side-effects. In response, Bayer has agreed to spend $20 million in a corrective advertising program.

If you're currently using Yaz or Yasmin, schedule an appointment with physician to discuss the safety of the medications and birth control alternatives. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is taking either two of these birth control pills and have suffered a cardiac associated health problem, you may want to consult with an attorney.