New Yaz lawsuit filed in federal court in Illinois

A new lawsuit against Bayer over the birth control pill Yaz has been filed in federal court in Illinois.

Kathryn Parker alleges she developed blood clots, including pulmonary emboli, pulmonary infarction and deep vein thrombosis, after taking the contraceptive for several months in 2007.

In April, the FDA issued a safety announcement that said drospirenone-containing contraceptives like Yaz and Yasmin may be linked to higher risks of blood clots. That report cited over 50 reported deaths related to Yaz/Yasmin between 2004 and 2008.

According to Bloomberg News, Bayer has paid at least $110 million to settle 500 Yaz and Yasmin cases alleging the oral contraceptives cause blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and gallbladder failure. Several thousand suits remain.

Amid the mounting lawsuits over Yaz and Yasmin, Bayer has reportedly made an investment in the non-prescription drug industry by purchasing health supplement company Schiff Nutrition International for $1.2 billion. The move is seen as designed to lower its exposure to litigation.