Product News and Recalls

Yasmin blamed for Florida woman’s death

A report in the Florida Times-Union concerns a man suing two doctors whom he blames for his wife’s death from a blood clot, because they failed to take her off the birth control pill Yasmin before her plastic surgery.

The lawsuit states it is well-known by medical practitioners that oral contraceptives increase the risk of fatal blood clots after surgery. The attorney representing the family cited the Physician’s Desk Reference, which states “oral contraceptives should be discontinued from at least four weeks prior to and for two weeks after elective surgery.”

According to the Times-Union article, the doctors for Brooke Boon, 39, failed to heed that warning before she underwent what is commonly known as a “Mommy Makeover,” which includes tummy tucks and other procedures to improve the patient’s shape after recent childbirth.

Three days after the surgery, Boon collapsed in her home and died. An autopsy showed she died of a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in the lung.

Although all birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, a number of studies show pills such as Yasmin that contain the compound drospirenone can carry up to three times the risk compared to other oral contraceptives on the market. Pills with drospirenone include Yaz, Beyaz and Ocella.

The lawsuit alleges that Boon’s primary care physician and plastic surgeon were both negligent in not taking her off Yasmin before the surgery. Family attorney Steve Pajcic said he has evidence proving that both men knew she was taking the contraceptive.

The widower, David Boon, said his wife’s death has left him devastated.

“I have two infant children that I’m raising, trying to be mother and father to both of them and I fear, ‘Can I do this?'” Boon said. “… I’m scared to death.”

Patients should consult their doctors before making any changes in their medication. A consultation with a Beyaz lawyer is also important if there are significant injuries while on Beyaz or similar birth control pills.

See the article here:

https://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-07-16/story/widower-sues-jacksonville-doctors-over-wifes-death