Monday, December 7, 2009
Our Blog Has Moved
Effective immediately, the Yaz and Yasmin Lawsuit Information Blog is changing addresses. Please follow our blog at our new location, http://www.theyazlawyers.com/Yaz-Blog.aspx
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bayer Continues Aggressive Advertising of Yaz
Bayer is using Yaz as a pilot for the new Google sponsored links format proposed at FDA hearings last week. The new format was created in response to FDA warnings regarding the lack of safety information provided with sponsored link advertising on sites like Google. Bayer was on of 14 companies who received a letter from the FDA in April stating that their sponsored links violated FDA rules. The letter to Bayer said that "omission of risk information is particularly concerning as one of these products, Yaz, has a boxed warning." Bayer was also notified that its Levitra and Mirena sponsored links were in violation of FDA rules.
The FDA warnings in April caused search rates and sponsored link revenue to plummet. The drop in online advertising spurred the FDA to hold hearings on the future of prescription drug advertising on the internet and social media. At those hearings, Google proposed the new format that Bayer is now testing with Yaz. The new sponsored links contain a headline with a link to the drug's web site, then a line that says "Read important product info here" and a third line which reads "Click to see full safety and prescribing information, including boxed warning."
Given the recent health concerns with Yaz birth control pills, Bayer seems to be flying in the face of patient safety by using Yaz as a pilot for new online advertising. Or, maybe Bayer knows that the dangers of Yaz will lead to decreased popularity and they are hoping to squeeze the last bit of profit out of a dying franchise. Either way, Bayer's choice to feature Yaz in this pilot program is in bad taste to say the least.
The FDA warnings in April caused search rates and sponsored link revenue to plummet. The drop in online advertising spurred the FDA to hold hearings on the future of prescription drug advertising on the internet and social media. At those hearings, Google proposed the new format that Bayer is now testing with Yaz. The new sponsored links contain a headline with a link to the drug's web site, then a line that says "Read important product info here" and a third line which reads "Click to see full safety and prescribing information, including boxed warning."
Given the recent health concerns with Yaz birth control pills, Bayer seems to be flying in the face of patient safety by using Yaz as a pilot for new online advertising. Or, maybe Bayer knows that the dangers of Yaz will lead to decreased popularity and they are hoping to squeeze the last bit of profit out of a dying franchise. Either way, Bayer's choice to feature Yaz in this pilot program is in bad taste to say the least.
Monday, November 9, 2009
New Jersey Courts seek Mass Tort Statuts for Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella Lawsuits
New Jersey Judge Donald Volkert, Jr. made an application to the New Jersey judiciary to designate the 39 cases against drug companies Bayer and Teva over the birth control pills, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella as a mass tort. The mass tort designation will allow the cases to be consolidated in one court in New Jersey, rather than in several jursidiction as is now the case. Judge Volkert, Jr. cited the following reasons to consolidate these cases:
Usually mass tort status requests are made by plaintiffs' counsel, but the rules permit judges to make requests as well. Since mass tort applications from lawyers typically request a specific venue, plaintiffs lawyers will probably express their preferences in comments to the court. However, the final venue decision will be decided based mainly on caseloads in various venues. The three counties being considered are Atlantic, Bergen and Middlesex.
Public comments on the application for mass tort status will be accepted until December 31, 2009 with a determination expected shortly thereafter.
- large number of filings;
- geographic disbursement of parties;
- risk of redundancy and inconsistent filings by different judges, resulting in undue delay and expense;
- increased efficiency by having one judge oversee the issues
- common issues of law and fact, as found by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation; and
- consolidation of the federal court cases by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
Usually mass tort status requests are made by plaintiffs' counsel, but the rules permit judges to make requests as well. Since mass tort applications from lawyers typically request a specific venue, plaintiffs lawyers will probably express their preferences in comments to the court. However, the final venue decision will be decided based mainly on caseloads in various venues. The three counties being considered are Atlantic, Bergen and Middlesex.
Public comments on the application for mass tort status will be accepted until December 31, 2009 with a determination expected shortly thereafter.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Swissmedic Releases Report on Venous Thromboembolism Caused by Yaz and Yasmin
October 22, 2009 - Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, released its report regarding the increased risk of thromboembolism for Yaz and Yasmin users. Swissmedic's Human Medicines Expert Committee analyzed recent data and studies on these risk factors. The agency took particular notice of two epidemiological studies released in August 2009. These studies reported an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and heart attack due to the progestin, drosperinone, in Yaz and Yasmin. The agency concluded that the risk of having a venous thromboembolism with a drosperinone-containing birth control pill is close to the risk with 3rd generation birth control pills. So called 2nd generation oral contraceptives remain the safest on the market.
Swissmedic will include the results and findings of their investigation in the patient information included with Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills. Doctors will be warned that they should be cautious when prescribing these pills to patients with any other risk factors for venous thromboembolism such as smoking, obesity and genetic predisposition.
Bayer has attempted to interpret Swissmedic's report in its favor. However, a careful reading of the report indicates that Yaz and Yasmin risks are more in line with those of 3rd generation oral contraceptives. It is well-documented that 3rd generation oral contraceptives carry a statistically significant increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to other birth control pills.
Bayer now faces hundreds of lawsuits filed by women seriously injured by Yaz and Yasmin. Contact the attorneys at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP if you or a loved one was seriously injured by these birth control pills.
Swissmedic will include the results and findings of their investigation in the patient information included with Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills. Doctors will be warned that they should be cautious when prescribing these pills to patients with any other risk factors for venous thromboembolism such as smoking, obesity and genetic predisposition.
Bayer has attempted to interpret Swissmedic's report in its favor. However, a careful reading of the report indicates that Yaz and Yasmin risks are more in line with those of 3rd generation oral contraceptives. It is well-documented that 3rd generation oral contraceptives carry a statistically significant increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to other birth control pills.
Bayer now faces hundreds of lawsuits filed by women seriously injured by Yaz and Yasmin. Contact the attorneys at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP if you or a loved one was seriously injured by these birth control pills.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Jackson Allen Williams, LLP Announce Association With Lisa Blue Baron and Mike Kaeske
The drug injury lawyers at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP are proud to announce their association with nationally prominent trial lawyers Lisa Blue Baron and Mike Kaeske to represent victims of serious injuries caused by the side effects of Yaz/Yasmin. Lisa and Mike are nationally known for their representation of victims of serious injuries in high profile cases, having obtained numerous significant jury verdicts.
Lisa Blue Baron of Baron and Blue in Dallas, Texas is both an attorney and a PhD. in Counseling Psychology. Lisa was formerly a partner at Baron & Budd, the largest environmental and toxic tort law firm in the United States. Her accomplishments in trial courts nationwide have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Litigators in the U.S. by the National Law Journal, Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, as well as receiving the Honorary Barrister Award from the University of Texas Law School and the Distinguished Alumni Award from South Texas College of Law. Blue was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2006 by the Dallas Bar Association. In 2007, she received the Louise Raggio Women’s Legal Advocate Award from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and was awarded the Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation in 2008. Ms. Blue was honored to accept the 2009 Rayburn Johnson Award posthumously on behalf of her husband, Fred Baron.
In addition to her legal practice, Lisa maintains a private consultancy as a forensic psychologist and is a nationally renowned expert in jury selection. With her unique background, she has been a commentator for several high-profile trials covered by Court TV and has co-authored numerous articles on jury selection. These include: “The Dos and Don’ts of Jury Questionnaires” (Texas Lawyer), “Make the Most of Your Jury Questionnaire” (Trial), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Trial Talk), “How to Pick a Winning Jury” (Champion), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Arizona Trial Lawyers Association Advocate), “Inside the Juror’s Mind” (Texas Bar Journal), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Advocate Magazine - Journal of Consumer Attorneys Associations for So. California), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (South Texas Law Review), “In Defense of the Peremptory Challenge” (Voir Dire Magazine), and “Twelve Psychological Tips for Getting Re-elected Every Time” (In Chambers). Lisa has written two books: ATLA’s Blue’s Guide to Jury Selection, co-authored with Robert Hirschhorn in 2004 (published by West), and Dr. Blues’ Guide to Making Relationships Work: 50 Quick Tips that Will Save Your Relationship, co-authored with brother Rick Blue in 2006.
Mike Kaeske worked closely with Lisa Blue and Fred Baron at Baron & Budd where he trained as a courtroom trial lawyer. He picked juries as often as many lawyers attend hearings and his first verdict was an $8.5 million single-plaintiff victory. His last verdict for Baron & Budd was a radiation exposure case in Federal Court in Pittsburg, PA, and the jury returned a verdict of over $60 million for eight plaintiffs with leukemia and other cancers. That verdict led to Mike being nominated as Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. Mike’s primary emphasis is trial work. Because of his aggressive and effective courtroom techniques, he is called upon by lawyers across the country to try significant cases. He has obtained more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts since opening his own practice in 1999. The Kaeske Law Firm has a national practice based in Austin, Texas. Mike has devoted his professional life to the representing seriously injured victims and their families.
Jackson, Allen, Williams, LLP is located in Dallas, Texas and provides legal representation to injury victims nation wide.
Lisa Blue Baron of Baron and Blue in Dallas, Texas is both an attorney and a PhD. in Counseling Psychology. Lisa was formerly a partner at Baron & Budd, the largest environmental and toxic tort law firm in the United States. Her accomplishments in trial courts nationwide have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Litigators in the U.S. by the National Law Journal, Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, as well as receiving the Honorary Barrister Award from the University of Texas Law School and the Distinguished Alumni Award from South Texas College of Law. Blue was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2006 by the Dallas Bar Association. In 2007, she received the Louise Raggio Women’s Legal Advocate Award from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and was awarded the Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation in 2008. Ms. Blue was honored to accept the 2009 Rayburn Johnson Award posthumously on behalf of her husband, Fred Baron.
In addition to her legal practice, Lisa maintains a private consultancy as a forensic psychologist and is a nationally renowned expert in jury selection. With her unique background, she has been a commentator for several high-profile trials covered by Court TV and has co-authored numerous articles on jury selection. These include: “The Dos and Don’ts of Jury Questionnaires” (Texas Lawyer), “Make the Most of Your Jury Questionnaire” (Trial), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Trial Talk), “How to Pick a Winning Jury” (Champion), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Arizona Trial Lawyers Association Advocate), “Inside the Juror’s Mind” (Texas Bar Journal), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (Advocate Magazine - Journal of Consumer Attorneys Associations for So. California), “Profile of a Perfect Juror” (South Texas Law Review), “In Defense of the Peremptory Challenge” (Voir Dire Magazine), and “Twelve Psychological Tips for Getting Re-elected Every Time” (In Chambers). Lisa has written two books: ATLA’s Blue’s Guide to Jury Selection, co-authored with Robert Hirschhorn in 2004 (published by West), and Dr. Blues’ Guide to Making Relationships Work: 50 Quick Tips that Will Save Your Relationship, co-authored with brother Rick Blue in 2006.
Mike Kaeske worked closely with Lisa Blue and Fred Baron at Baron & Budd where he trained as a courtroom trial lawyer. He picked juries as often as many lawyers attend hearings and his first verdict was an $8.5 million single-plaintiff victory. His last verdict for Baron & Budd was a radiation exposure case in Federal Court in Pittsburg, PA, and the jury returned a verdict of over $60 million for eight plaintiffs with leukemia and other cancers. That verdict led to Mike being nominated as Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. Mike’s primary emphasis is trial work. Because of his aggressive and effective courtroom techniques, he is called upon by lawyers across the country to try significant cases. He has obtained more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts since opening his own practice in 1999. The Kaeske Law Firm has a national practice based in Austin, Texas. Mike has devoted his professional life to the representing seriously injured victims and their families.
Jackson, Allen, Williams, LLP is located in Dallas, Texas and provides legal representation to injury victims nation wide.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Allen Law Firm is now Jackson Allen Williams, LLP
Allen Law Firm is now Jackson Allen Williams, LLP. The dangerous drug lawyers at Jackson Allen Williams, LLP will continue to provide legal representation to injury victims nationwide including women injured by Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella and their families.
Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices May Require Bayer to Add Stronger Warnings to Yaz Label
An article on Deutsche Welle, a German news web site, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices is looking into changing the product information for the Yasmin line of birth control pills. The changes may be made to reflect the new data coming from recent studies that show Yaz and Yasmin are twice as likely to cause blood clots - or thrombosis - than older pills. Ulrich Hagemann, head of the institute's department of drug safety said, "there is a need from my point of view to change the text" in the product information that accompanies the pills to reflect this increased risk.
A total of 130 cases of adverse drug reactions to the Yasmin line of contraceptives have been reported to Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Felicitas Rohrer, a 25-year old German citizen, collapsed in July with three thromboses in her lung. "I got the first package in a nice little silver box with a mirror and make-up brush inside; it seemed very nice, so why shouldn't I take it? But I never heard that this pill has a much higher risk of pulmonary embolism than other pills," Felicitas Rohrer told Deutsche Welle.
The Allen Law Firm is representing women, like Felicitas, who have suffered strokes, pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, we'd love to hear from you.
A total of 130 cases of adverse drug reactions to the Yasmin line of contraceptives have been reported to Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Felicitas Rohrer, a 25-year old German citizen, collapsed in July with three thromboses in her lung. "I got the first package in a nice little silver box with a mirror and make-up brush inside; it seemed very nice, so why shouldn't I take it? But I never heard that this pill has a much higher risk of pulmonary embolism than other pills," Felicitas Rohrer told Deutsche Welle.
The Allen Law Firm is representing women, like Felicitas, who have suffered strokes, pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, we'd love to hear from you.
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