Ocella Side Effects

Ocella is a fourth generation prescription birth control medication that uses the progestin drospirenone to prevent pregnancy, as well as to treat some cases of mild acne and aid with the symptoms of various premenstrual disorders. Ocella, commonly referred to as a generic form of Yasmin or Yaz, is manufactured and distributed by Barr Pharmaceuticals. In 2008, Barr was purchased by Teva Pharmaceuticals and acts as one of Teva’s various divisions under which generic prescription drugs like Ocella are manufactured, distributed, and marketed. Ocella is currently one of the most popular forms of drospirenone-based prescription birth control methods in the United States.

 Ocella’s main components, much like Yaz and Yasmin, are drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which combine to prevent pregnancy by altering the linings of the uterus and cervix, and making it close to impossible for the sperm to reach the egg and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Ocella and drugs that contain drospirenone have a great success rate against preganancy, and they have also been used to treat cases of premenstrual disorders, as well as mild cases of acne in girls ages 14 and up. Ocella has been beneficial in treating symptoms of premenstrual disorders, including exhaustion, loss of appetite, anxiety, weight gain, headaches, and nausea.

However, like Yaz and Yasmin, Ocella has been reported to cause side effects ranging from common to serious, some even fatal or permanently damaging. Ocella influences the hormone levels in the female body, causing a hike in estrogen, as well as raising the amount of potassium in the bloodstream. Increases in both of these factors can lead to very serious side effects in women, including:

• Heart attacks

• Strokes

• Pulmonary embolism

• Deep vein thrombosis (severe blood clots)

• Gallbladder disease

• Sudden death

Women who take the prescription birth control medication Ocella have also reported experiencing a wide variety of common side effects. A side effect is deemed common when it occurs within at least one percent of women using a specific prescription drug like Ocella. Women have reported common side effects including but not limited to the following:

• Non-cyclical menstrual bleeding

• Vaginal discharge

• Yeast infections

• Headaches

• Decreased sexual activity

• Weight gain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pains

• Loss of appetite

Ocella has also been reported to cause a number of side effects that, while not fatal, are more serious in nature than the most common side effects. Medium grade side effects can eventually lead to more serious health issues, including resulting in the aforementioned severe side effects. These side effects can include but are not limited to:

• Hair loss

• Swollen hands or feet

• Drastic changes in menstrual cycle

• Skin discoloration

• Eye irritation, visual impairing

• Vaginal irritation and discharge

Women should avoid Ocella or similar birth control medications is they are allergic to the progestin drospirenone, or if they have a medical history that includes:

• High blood pressure

• Prior heart attacks

• Prior strokes

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Depression

• Unusual menstrual cycles or vaginal bleeding

• Any type of cancer specific to the female anatomy

Women who are pregnant should also not continue to take Ocella once it is medically determined that they are pregnant. Ocella and similar birth control medication can cause serious birth defects in unborn babies. Women who use Ocella should also maintain healthy lifestyles and eating habits in order to avoid suffering the most serious of side effects. Tobacco and alcohol should be completely avoided while taking Ocella, as should any other prescription medication that is first not cleared by a professional medical expert.

When the statistics are showing increasing evidence that a prescription drug like Ocella is harmful and can lead to fatalities, then it is important that you are protected and know your legal options. The Newsome Law Firm is devoted to investigating all claims made by prescription users of Ocella, and if you or a loved one has experienced any of the symptoms listed on this page, you are entitled to a consultation and claim evaluation.