Bad press catches up with top selling Yaz, Yasmin
July 26th, 2010 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
The bad press surrounding Yaz birth control pills is beginning to catch up with the nation’s top selling oral contraceptive. It’s two-year-old television advertisement on YouTube featuring smiling women and floating balloons with the words “irritability’ and “moodiness” printed on them has more than 50,000 views, but the comments from viewers are less than flattering.
“I used to take Yaz until it mess up my gallbladder and I had to get surgery to have it removed. Thank you, Yaz!”
“I have heard bad things about this brand of contraception so I will not use it.”
“Don’t take Yaz. *personal experience*”
Yaz, also known as Yasmin and by the generic ocella, was introduced in the United States as a new type of birth control pill that not only prevented unwanted pregnancies but also helped curb the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and treat moderate acne.
The pills were marketed by a massive adverting campaign, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) slapped Bayer, the makers of Yaz and Yasmin, with a huge penalty saying its ads didn’t adequately warn women of the risks associated with the pills, such as blood clots that could lead to pulmonary embolism, heart attacks and strokes, as well as gallbladder problems. The drug company was forced to run more ads clearly stating its approved uses and possible risks.
When Bayer began running the disclaimer ads, the pills were already the top selling oral contraceptives in the country, bringing in billions of dollars annually to Bayer. Meanwhile, thousands of otherwise healthy women were beginning to fall ill and even die from blood clots and other health problems. Bayer now faces more than 1,000 lawsuits from women injured by the pills.
Is it any wonder Yaz has a bad reputation on YouTube?