Potassium is an essential nutrient, necessary for normal cell functioning. However, an abnormal increase in the body’s level of potassium can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrest and arrhythmia.
The birth control pills Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella may have a much greater effect on a woman’s potassium levels than other birth control pills. The reason is that Yaz and Yasmin contain the progestin drospirenone, and drospirenone may significantly increase potassium levels.
Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella all contain 3 mg of drospirenone. The condition of elevated potassium levels associated with drospirenone is known as hyperkalemia.
Symptoms of high levels of potassium in the blood include:
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weaknesses
- Weak, slow or absent pulse
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury because of an increase in potassium levels caused by taking Yaz or Yasmin, contact the Yaz/Yasmin lawyers of Fears | Nachawati today to receive free legal advice.