You’ve seen one of those commercials about birth control products, you know the ones that admonish, “Take this to avoid pregnancies … possible side effects are stroke, migraines, heart attacks, blood clots, death while sleeping, and vomiting … but this will offer what no other pill can, so ask your doctor.”
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. producers of the popular birth control pill Yaz — in its stunning promotional advertisements — warns consumers of potential side effects including possible pulmonary embolisms, has found itself buried in lawsuits; at least 74 lawsuits, to date.
The drug has been in trouble before — once for false advertising. Bayer, it seems, did not advertise the complete list of possible serious side effects the pill had and apparently exaggerated its claims of efficiency, thereby deceiving millions of women into taking the pill.
The FDA demanded that the drug’s manufacturer re-do the commercials and address the many errors in the previous ones.
A pill that prevents a woman from the reproduction of life should not kill her in the process. This only somewhat shows the ignorance projected toward women’s health, but Yaz could be in a lot of trouble if these lawsuits are not settled.
The pill has its benefits such as the treatment of moderate acne. Another side benefit is that Yaz can treat severe premenstrual syndrome.
Some research, however, has indicated the drug can cause heart attacks, liver damage, depression and blood clots. The side effects don’t seem to be taken seriously enough by researchers in the medical field.
It was only recently that the health industry and the general public paid attention to the side effects. Women have who called 9-1-1 complaining of cardiac symptoms have taken longer than men with similar health problems to arrive at the hospital.
Bayer has condemned the allegations; standing behind its pill, while stating that the product goes through intense research. The company claims it is taking these concerns seriously.
A negative public image could definitely damage the British corporation’s reputation. Lawsuits like these could just as easily put fears in the minds of other people it provides drugs for.
Since Bayer is taking the complaints and suits about Yaz seriously, it has run additional commercials addressing the errors in the earlier ads. It is also battling the lawsuits, claiming the side effects packed in the magic pill is the same as any other old-fashioned birth control pill.
This means there are no solid discussions about how much compensation will be given to the victims, or whether any compensation will be given at all.
Bayer should take the high road in a case like this because it involves life and death. It should recall the drug and offer settlements to the people who have been affected by it. That would be the preferred way of showing the company truly cares about its consumers — the women who place their trust in the company’s products.