The British Medical Journal recently published studies that looked at the rate of blood clots in users of Yaz and Yasmin which contain a synthetic hormone called drospirenone compared it users of older birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel. Researchers found that women on Yaz or Yasmin had more than double the risk of blood clots than women taking older type of birth control.

Other research studies yielded similar results. However, Bayer, the makers of Yaz and Yasmin, has publicly doubted these findings.  In a written statement, Bayer said, “Given the already large and robust scientific body of evidence, in Bayer’s opinion, these studies do not change the overall assessment about the safety of Bayer’s oral contraceptives.”  Bayer points to the findings of other studies–ones sponsored by the pharmaceutical company.

The British Medical Journal suggests that Yaz and Yasmin should not be a first choice for contraception. “The increased risk suggested by these studies is about two to three times those from older pills…. Women concerned about the issue could consider other, older options, if there’s no medical reason to rule them out.” (npr.org)