Product News and Recalls

Cancer creates added risk of blood clots

The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis says patients who are fighting cancer are at increased risk for developing the condition. It recommends that you talk to your physician about whether or not you’re at risk, and what you can do to minimize that risk.

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, and leads to either partially or completely blocked circulation.

The coalition says risk factors may include use of oral contraceptives, but the affected population is relatively small and pregnancy is also a risk factor.

Note: A number of studies have indicated that oral contraceptives containing the compound drospirenone put users at up to three times the risk of blood clots compared to other birth control pills on the market. Pills with drospirenone include Yasmin, Yaz, Beyaz and Ocella.

According to the coalition, complications from DVT are the second leading cause of death among cancer patients. More than 90 percent of cancer patients may be at risk for DVT.

Cancer can put you at an increased risk for blood clots because surgery or chemotherapy may injure blood vessel walls and cause the blood to clot. Certain types of cancer treatments may also reduce the body’s ability to produce blood clotting agents called anticoagulants.

The risk is particularly high for patients with have cancer of the ovaries, pancreas, lymphatic system, liver, stomach and colon

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 more information here:

https://www.preventdvt.org/default.aspx