Yaz, Yasmin may have higher clot risk

OTTAWA, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A review by Canadian health officials determined the oral contraceptives Yasmin and Yaz have an increased risk of blood clots over other birth control pills.

Health Canada officials said the drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives may be associated with a risk of blood clots that is 1.5 to three times higher than that of other birth control pills.

However, the overall the risk of blood clots with any oral contraceptive -- including Yasmin and Yaz -- is very small and the risks of blood clots are higher with pregnancy and childbirth than with oral contraceptives, officials said.

"If the estimated risk of developing a blood clot among women taking a levonorgestrel-containing birth control pill is 1 in 10,000 women per year, as some studies have estimated, then the risk in women taking a drospirenone birth control pill is about 1.5 to 3 women in 10,000 per year," the statement from Health Canada said. "The drug labels for Yasmin and Yaz have been updated to include information on the studies and the recommendation that, when prescribing an oral contraceptive, health professionals consider the risks and benefits of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives for a specific patient in light of her risk for developing blood clots, and relative to the risks and benefits of other birth control pills on the market."

Canadians are reminded that birth control pills of any kind should not be used by women who have had a blood clot or who have certain risk factors such are age 35 or older, who smoke heavily -- more than 15 cigarettes a day, officials said.