Hyperkalemia symptoms and conditions

Hi
I am in the UK - where any knowledge of side effects related to Yasmin appear to be non-existent. I was prescribed this to treat my endo after having problems with another pill (constant bleeding and mood swings).
Initially it was like a magic pill - immediately improving the mood swings and stopping the constant bleeding. Then after about 4 days I felt so nauseous I wanted to go home from work - this lasted a few days.
A week and half into my first pack, I suffered continuous asthma attacks - with no obvious cause, this developed in hours to spontaneous vomiting along with a hacking cough.nI was prescribed antibiotics for "infections". The symptoms continued until it was unbearable and I was put on anti-vomiting tablets. and changed onto a different antibiotic.
A week later back at the doctors surgery I had a series of tests - awaiting results as I type, as I have very dark urine, stools that are not "normal" (clay or yellow), pain in my stomach, pins and needles, continue to vomit if don't take the anti vomiting tablets. Have now stopped taking Yasmin and await results...
HOw long does everyone appear to improve after stopping taking Yasmin? Also does this sound like I may have a case of hyperkalemia? (I am awaiting results).
Many thank

There has been at least two documented cases of women having extremely high acid levels due to taking Xeloda. These high levels ultimately caused their deaths. All drugs cause side effects but death is not one listed in any of the literature that Roche presents with this drug. If you are taking this drug please make sure that your acid levels are checked regularly and if you know of someone who had the same complications from Xeloda please contact us.

I just want to say that I was on YAZ for 1 1/2 years and I had absolutely no problems with it. In fact, YAZ was one of two birth control pills that I was on that didn't make me sick, out of five. Yes, sometimes I have anxiety, I'm depressed, bitchy, etc, but it is because I am Bi-polar and have been diagnosed for years now. I hate to sound insensitive, but maybe some of you ladies are just crazy like me. Also, birth control pills pump hormones into your body, and hello, what do hormones do... they can make us a little irrational, bitchy, depressed, etc. YAZ is not that much different than any other birth control.

I just went on Yasmin, because my insurance covers it better than YAZ. I will keep everyone posted, but I'm not too worried.

HERBAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HORMONAL BALANCE AND HEALING COMING OFF OF YASMIN:

Hi Ladies-to Anyone who has been on Yasmin/Yaz, if you haven't made it to the UK site Sarah/Flowerbabies set up, I am re-posting here some recent posts I've made in what has helped me enormously after coming off of Yasmin.

After being on Yasmin from 12/2005-8/2006 here is a list of the side effects I experienced: Hiatal hernia, vision changes, congestion ears, chest pains, heart murmur, palps and bracycardia, ectopic (abnormally slow and skips beats), melasma, bronchitis, fatigue. B12/Folic Acid Deficiency. Elevated potassium.

Following months of suffering, I've been doing loads of research. These are most recent supplements/remedies I have introduced and am seeing benefits from:

Whole Vitamin Supplement* (Bioavailable)
New Chapter Organices
The best I found for bio-availability (one that your body can easily assimilate/integrate) is New Chapter Organics. This is also extrmely low on potassium, which was very important for me because I am one of the women who ended up with 5.7 on my potassium when normal ranges are: 3.6-5.2. So I discovered I am in a range that is considered unsafe/mild hyperkalemia and working to lower it.

Organic Evening Primrose Oil:
contains specialized nutriet gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has been show in scientific studies to support hormonal health and address symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Lignans:
highly studied and researched class of phytonutrient found in flaxseed studied by the National Cancer Institute and shown to possess impressive preventative properties-in addition to supporting hormone and breast health

Soy Isoflavones:
Plant phytoestrogens can help with symptoms of menopause and PMS in addition to supporting bone, heart and breast health.

Collodial Silver:
I also started for the first time taking Collodial Silver which has apparently been used for over 2000 years to boost immune systems. My sister, who has worked for and with a Naturopath for the last 5 years recommended this to me and she uses it with her own children. She is the healthiest she has ever been. After one month of using this, with a homeopathic remedy Pulsilla Negricans (for bronchitis like symptoms made by Boiron)-took this instead of anti-biotics, for the colds I have gotten every month for 5 months after coming off of Yasmin, this is the first month I haven't gotten sick!

Best Wishes to everyone in getting your body, spirit and your health back. There is nothing without health and from my experience, I will not be taking any pharmaceutical medications for the rest of my life if I can manage to do so. I've never been big on medications to begin with, but after this experience with Yasmin, and all the learning I am doing about the pharmaceutical industries and their partnerships with Doctors/Nurses, all the horrible symptoms and other problems that come with taking so many of these drugs , no thank you.

To be honest, sometimes, the lessons I am learning from having been on Yasmin, all the horrible side effects after being and having such good health has put me on a course to take personal responsibility for my own health and ways in which I can care for it without Doctors, prescriptions, un-healthy drugs that treat symptoms instead of cause. It is very empowering.

Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject: Heart Health tonic, replenishing body fluids
Schisandra , liquid extract of dried ripe berry

I started this today and believe it or not, these horrible chest pains I've had for 9 plus months, mostly specific to the week prior to my mensturation and now more common, subsided. Strongly recommend it as a nutral remedy:

Actions: Nutritive. antioxidant. Adaptogen. Astringent. Expectorant and antitussive. Detoxifies, protects and regenerates the liver. Promotes production of body fluid. Allays spontaneous sweating. Calming sedative. Antagonizes stimulant effect of caffeine.

Uses: Support of healthy liver function, and treatment of hepatitis. Stomach and intestinal inflammation, chronic diarrhea and dysentery. night sweats and other spontaneous persperation. Neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion-caused by overactive adrenal glands) and sleeplessness. colds and flu. Dry coughs, weak lungs and asthma. To enhance physical performance in work and athletics. Dryness and thirst caused by fever.

In traditional Chinese medicine schisandra is said to nourish and tonify the kidneys, to replenish body fluids****, and to support the eyes. The anti-androgen in Yasmin can cause dry eyes***

Items
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:18 am Post subject:
Hi ladies-

Wanted to duplicate a posting here on results I am seeing from the herbal supplements a Naturopath recommended and I started in the last two weeks. As of last night, the experience of "palps" (which is feeling) the heartbeat and the arrythmia I was experiencing are gone! Needless to say, I am elated.
--------------
Available at Whole Foods* (you may need to have them order the Fem Rebalance or I am sure they are available through a Naturopathic or online:

Fem Rebalance made by Vitanica
and
Women's Phase I by Vitanica

They are specifically designed to for premenstrual and hormone balance support

Here are the ingredients:

Fem Rebalance (Indication that women with high blood pressure, who are nursing or are pregnant should not take this):

Licorice Root 200mg
Chaste Berry Tree 200mg
Rhodiola root-Rhodiola rosea 200mg
Borage oil powder 160mg
False unicorn root-Heloonias dioca 100mg
Vervain root-Verbena hastata 100mg
Sarsparilla root-Smillax medica 100mg
Wild Yam root-Dioscorea villosa 100mg
Black cohosh extract 80mg

Women's Phase I:
Again, not recommended for use during pregnancy and nursing. Dong Quai and gingko may potentiate anti-coagulant/anti-platelet agents

Vitamin E (as d alpha tocopheryl succinate) 200IU
Vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5 phosphate) 25mg
Calcium 25mg
Iodine (from kelp) 50mg
Magnesium 75mcg
Chromium 100mcg
Borage Seet Oil Extract 150mg
Wild Yam root 100mg
Dandelion Leaf 100mg
Dong Quai root 100 mg
Passion Flower Extract 100mg
St John's Wort tops 100mg
Chaste Tree Berry 50mg
Chaste Tree berry extract 25mg
Gingko Extract (biloba) 15mg

Just know-that coming off of birth control or changes in our hormones have huge effects on our bodies. The Naturopath told me it opens up alot of inflammation in the body which causes susceptibility to colds and a host of other unpleasant side effects-like the heart palps for example.

I also posted to another link a listing of herbs and their benefits-many aid in PMS symptoms/menopause symptoms, inflammation, anti-spasmodic.

I am thrilled with the results in such a short time as the ND advised it may take a month or two, I am seeing results in only a week's time. Just moving beyond the arrhythmia and the palps is a tremendous relief.

Location: United States

Items
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:51 am Post subject: Benefits of Herbs and PMS and Hormone Balance
Hi Ladies-

As I referenced above, I've been on two herbal supplements recommended to me by a Naturopath I am seeing. I've only been taking them for a little over a week and seeing great improvements. If you see the herbs above, many of them are contained in the Fem Rebalance and Phase I support products by Vitanica that I am taking. I was struck by the fact that they were out of the Fem Rebalance initially and I had to ask that they hold 2 for me becuase when their order came in, they were out again as there were so many women who created a back-order:

Some herbs that are helpful with mentruation are:

BLACK COHOSH:
Antispasmodic and antirheumatic. Isoflavones ("phytoestrogens") bind to estrogen receptors and have mild estrogen like activity. Estrogen take a big dip during our menstrual cycle. Good for dull aching muslce pains (especially rheumatic and myalgic pains)-Low estrogen conditions like PMS.

BLUE COHOSH**:
Antispasmodic and antirheumatic. Uterine tonic. Used well for menstrual cramps and discomfort (especially "heavy legs"); excessive flow**

BUTCHER BROOM:
Antiinflammatory* tonic for veins. Reduces capillary fragility and permeability and tones sluggish venous system. Useful for Vein disorders related to oral contracptive pills, PMS**, certain menstrual disorders.

DONG QUAI:
Enriches blood, and promotes healthy circulation. Uterine tonic*. Increases DNA synthesis of uterus tissue and increases its regeneration. Regulates menstruation*. Antispasmodic. Anti-inflammaorty. Diuretic. Dilates coronary vessels and increases coronary blood flow. Harmonzies vital energy "chi". Particulary useful in cases of Amenorrhea (when period ceases) and dysmenorrhea: ***painful periods****

CATNIP:
Mild sedative and antispasmodic. Used well for menstrual maladies and nervous tension.

CINNAMON:
Warming, diffusive stimulant, with gentle astringent influence. Moderately stimulates entire nervous and circulatory systems. Warming to stomach and intestinal tract. Recent research shos several polyphenolic polymer compounds in Cinnamon bark enhance the action of insulin and improve glucose and fat metabolism. Useful in excessive menstrual bleeding*** among other things.

CRAMP BARK:
Balance sympathetic and parasympatheic nervous systems. Antispasmodic to stomach, intestines, uterus* and bladder. Useful for menstrual cramps**** and nausea*, sudden or irregular menstrual flow.

DAMANIA:
Nerve tonic and mild sedative. Promotes healthy menstruation* as well as a soothing tonic to sexual and urinary organs; purpoted to increase libido. Soothing diuretic and experctorant. Useful for nervous debility and anxiety. Sexual atony and lack of libido in women. Inflammation of sexual organs and urinary tract in men and women. Menstrual malaise and discomfort. Taken in hot water, it PROMOTES ONSET OF TARDY MENSTRUATION*. Helpful for emtional moodiness associated with PMS and MENOPAUSE.

FEVERVIEW:
Aspirin like action that relieves pain and reduces fever. Useful for headahces (especially migraines), arthritis, fevers, MENSTURUAL CRAMPS AND PAINS), stomachache and toothache.

GINGER
Heart tonic and warming circulatory and metabolic stimulant. Antispasmodic. Useful FOR PAIN AND CRAMPS*of stomach and bowel. Relieves stomach and intestinal gas. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. Heart disease and poor circulation.

JAMAICAN DOGWOOD:
Nerve sedative, antispasmodic. Among many other things, useful for PAINFUL MENSTURAL PERIODS*

LEMON BALM:
Antispasmodic, mild sedative. Lowers fevers, antiviral. Useful in many things including nervous irritation, headaches, nervouse heart, nervous stomach and indigestion. Good for menstrual blues and emotions.

MURIA PAMA:
Soothing nervous system tonic. Antirheumatic. PMS*** and MENSTRUAL CRAMPS.

NETTLE:
Nutritive, alterative tonic. Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, moderates allergic response. Useful for chronic inflammation, PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.

PASSIONFLOWER:
Calmative and sedative, allays nervousness and restlessness. Helps produce rest and natural sleep. Antispasmodic. Useful for nervousness, restlessness, worry and hysteria. *Nervous palpitationi or tachycardia of the heart or headache. PAINFUL MENSES.

SHATAVARI
Female reproductive tonic. Among many things including women's sexual libido, useful for PMS AND MENSTRUAL CRAMPING.

WILD YAM:
Antispasmodic. Relief of nervous system irritation. Abdominal cramps, pain and tenderness; spasmodic pain in uteris, cerix or ovaries; menstrual cramps***

YARROW:
Astringent, vascular tonice. Excellent for inducing sweat and lowering fevers, colds and flu. Passive bleading and EXCESSIVE MENSTRUAL FLOW.

J

Guest 36835-

Yasmin's diuretic is a potassium sparing diuretic. That's the difference. What that means is that while it flushes out fluids, it spares potassium-thus the risk of high potassium-and hyperkalemia a potentially fatal state!

To your question on research, as electrolytes get out of balance, so does muscle control. IE the number of women here who have suffered muscle twitchs from toe/feet to heart. In particular when the balance of magnesium and calcium is off-set, one experiences murmurs and muscle flacidity!

So have your magnesium, potassium and calcium levels checked pronto!

RECOMMENDATION TO HELP HEAL YOUR BODY AFTER YASMIN

I promise I am not a salesperson! Following months of suffering, I've been doing loads of research. These are most recent supplements/remedies I have introduced and am seeing benefits from:

Whole Vitamin Supplement* (Bioavailable)
New Chapter Organices
The best I found for bio-availability (one that your body can easily assimilate/integrate) is New Chapter Organics. This is also extrmely low on potassium, which was very important for me because I am one of the women who ended up with 5.7 on my potassium when normal ranges are: 3.6-5.2. So I discovered I am in a range that is considered unsafe/mild hyperkalemia and working to lower it. 6.0 is considered Hyperkalmic (too high potassium levels in the blood and lethal.)

Barlean's Women's Formula for Hormone Balance*
I took Evening Primrose oil years ago and forgot just how helpful this was. Thish particular formula includes seeds from botanical flowers to include evening primrose, flax and phytonutrients.

Organic unrefined flaxseed oil:
the richest source of essential fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (Omega 3) and linolenic acid (Omega 6).

Organic Evening Primrose Oil:
contains specialized nutriet gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has been show in scientific studies to support hormonal health and address symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Lignans:
highly studied and researched class of phytonutrient found in flaxseed studied by the National Cancer Institute and shown to possess impressive preventative properties-in addition to supporting hormone and breast health

Soy Isoflavones:
Plant phytoestrogens can help with symptoms of menopause and PMS in addition to supporting bone, heart and breast health.

Collodial Silver:
I also started for the first time taking Collodial Silver which has apparently been used for over 2000 years to boost immune systems. My sister, who has worked for and with a Naturopath for the last 5 years recommended this to me and she uses it with her own children. She is the healthiest she has ever been!

Best Wishes to everyone in getting your body, spirit and your health back. There is nothing without health and from my experience, I will not be taking any pharmaceutical medications for the rest of my life if I can manage to do so. I've never been big on medications to begin with, but after this experience with Yasmin, and all the learning I am doing about the pharmaceutical industries and their partnerships with Doctors/Nurses, all the horrible symptoms and other problems that come with taking so many of these drugs , no thank you.

I've learned and am learning so much about my body, about homeopathic and natural herb remedies that its actually exciting. I avoided anti-biotics recently given another month of bronchial problems (5 months of bronchitis every month at the onset of my period after going off of Yasmin) with Pulsatilla Nigricans, which is a homeopathic remedy. In one day, my chest stopped hurting and the cough is subsiding! And I've done it without wiping out all the good bacteria in my body with anti-biotics. To be honest, sometimes, the lessons I am learning from having been on Yasmin, all the horrible side effects, has put me on a course to take personal responsibility for my own health and ways in which I can care for it without Doctors, prescriptions, un-healthy drugs that treat symptoms instead of cause. It is very empowering.

Good health and healing to everyone.
Jessica

If you are experiencing palpitations, chest pain, see your Doctor or go to ER immediately. Have your potassium levels checked promptly to ensure that you have not developed Hyperkalemia (excess potassium) in your blood which is likely and happened to me becuase of the potassium sparing diuretic in Yasmin*. Hyperkalemia can be lethal and is extremely dangerous and a risk taking Yasmin.

Erykah-I haven't seen anyone whose tried/used St. john's Wort but would recommend instead having your hormone levels and your adrenal function tested? Oftentimes, after Yasmin, becuase of the diuretic flushing that occurs (constant peeing/urinating) it throws off our electrolyte and mineral balances in addition to that it suppresses our adrenal glands. I have found success with B vitamins (A B stress tab) or a whole food/bio-available Vitamin*. The whole food and bioavailability part is really important-because it is what makes it more accessible/useable by your body. Also-take a calcium and magnesium supplement if you find you are low on magnesium which is one of the minerals Yasmin's diuretic depletes*. I'm taking one that is equivalent ratios: 1:1-1000 of each because minerals compete with one another so taking a calcium that is higher will not give you the benefit of the magnesium. Low magnesium levels effects the health of all the muscles in our bodies-including the heat and if oftentimes what causes the murmurs/palps.

Potassium

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Pronunciations









albuterol

aldosterone

angiotensin

dialysis

digoxin

electrolytes

Fanconi's syndrome

hyperkalemia

hypokalemia

polyp

spironolactone

terbutaline

theophylline

Most of the body's potassium is located inside the cells. Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, and muscles.

The level of potassium in the blood must be maintained within a narrow range. A potassium level that is too high or too low can have serious consequences, such as an abnormal heart rhythm or even cardiac arrest. The potassium stored within the cells can be used by the body to help maintain a constant level of potassium in the blood.

Potassium balance is achieved by matching the amount of potassium taken in with the amount lost. Potassium is taken in through food and electrolyte-containing drinks and lost primarily in urine, although some potassium is also lost through the digestive tract and in sweat. Healthy kidneys are able to adjust the excretion of potassium to match changes in dietary intake. Some drugs and certain conditions affect the movement of potassium into and out of cells, which greatly influences the potassium level in the blood.

Hypokalemia
In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too low. Excessive potassium loss usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, chronic laxative use, or colon polyps. Very occasionally, excessive loss results from excessive sweating in conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Many foods contain potassium, so hypokalemia is rarely caused by too little intake in people who eat a balanced diet.

There are several reasons why potassium may be lost in the urine. By far the most common is the use of diuretics that cause the kidneys to excrete excess sodium, water, and potassium. In Cushing's syndrome, the adrenal glands produce excess amounts of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the kidneys to excrete large amounts of potassium (see Adrenal Gland Disorders: Cushing's Syndrome). Excessive potassium is also excreted by people who eat large amounts of licorice or chew certain types of tobacco. People with Liddle's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Liddle's Syndrome), Bartter's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Bartter's Syndrome), and Fanconi's syndrome (see Tubular and Cystic Kidney Disorders: Fanconi's Syndrome) have rare defects that interfere with the kidneys' ability to conserve potassium.

Certain drugs (such as insulin

and the antiasthmatic drugs albuterol

, terbutaline

, and theophylline

) increase the movement of potassium into the cells and can result in hypokalemia. However, use of these drugs is rarely the sole cause of hypokalemia.

A mild decrease in the potassium level in the blood usually causes no symptoms. A more severe decrease can cause muscle weakness, twitches, and even paralysis. Abnormal heart rhythms may develop, especially in people with heart disease. Even mild hypokalemia is dangerous in people taking the heart drug digoxin

. The diagnosis is made by determining that the potassium level in the blood is low.

Potassium usually can be replaced by eating potassium-rich foods or by taking potassium supplements by mouth. Because potassium can irritate the digestive tract, supplements should be taken in small doses with food several times a day rather than in a single large dose. Special types of potassium supplements, such as wax-impregnated or microencapsulated potassium chloride, are much less likely to irritate the digestive tract.

Most people who take diuretics do not need to take potassium supplements. Nevertheless, doctors periodically check the potassium level in the blood so that the drug regimen can be altered if necessary. Alternatively, potassium-conserving diuretics (such as triamterene

, amiloride

, or spironolactone

) can be added to the diuretic therapy, but only in people whose kidneys are functioning normally.

Hyperkalemia
In hyperkalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Hyperkalemia usually results when the kidneys do not excrete enough potassium. Probably the most common cause of mild hyperkalemia is the use of drugs that decrease blood flow to the kidneys or prevent the kidneys from excreting normal amounts of potassium. Such drugs include triamterene

, spironolactone

, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Hyperkalemia can also be caused by Addison's disease, in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone aldosterone, which stimulates the kidneys to excrete potassium (see Adrenal Gland Disorders: Addison's Disease). Kidney failure can result in severe hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia can also result when a large amount of potassium is suddenly released from the cells. A sudden release of potassium from the cells can result from crush injuries (involving the destruction of large amounts of muscle tissue), severe burns, or overdoses of crack cocaine. The rapid movement of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream can overwhelm the kidneys and result in life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Mild hyperkalemia causes few, if any, symptoms. Usually, hyperkalemia is first detected when routine blood tests are performed or when a doctor notices changes on an electrocardiogram. A high level of potassium in the blood is dangerous. It can cause the heart rhythm to become abnormal. If the level is very high, the heart can stop beating.

For mild hyperkalemia, reducing the potassium intake or discontinuing drugs that prevent the kidneys from excreting potassium may be the only treatment that is needed. If the kidneys are functioning, a diuretic may be given to increase potassium excretion.

For severe hyperkalemia, immediate treatment is essential. A resin that absorbs potassium from the digestive tract and passes out of the body in the stool can be given by mouth or enema. When this treatment is given, doctors also induce diarrhea so that the resin, with potassium absorbed into it, is quickly expelled.

When more rapid treatment is needed, the person may be given an intravenous solution containing calcium, glucose, or insulin

. Calcium helps protect the heart from the effects of a high potassium level but does not actually affect the potassium level. This protective effect lasts only a few minutes. Glucose and insulin

drive potassium from the blood into the cells, thus lowering the potassium level in the blood. If these measures do not work or if a person has kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary to remove the excess potassium.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR RISKS:

READ UP ON HYPERKALEMIA (RISKS OF INCREASING POTASSIUM IN THE BLOOD WHICH THIS PILL DOES)

WWW.WORSTPILLS.ORG YASMIN IS ON THE LIST!!!

WWW.FDA.GOV: FILE A REPORT WITH YOUR SYMPTOMS

CALL SCHERING TO REPORT YOUR SYMPTOMS

Call the drug company 1-888-237-5394 report side effects. I just did.

Report your symptoms to FDA www.fda.gov (if they receive enough well documented cases, they can/will take action

See: www.worstpills.org

Research: Hyperkalemia

Per a couple of folks questions: I recently saw an RN practicing with a Doctor because of loads of side effects that I attributed to Yasmin. most pressing was chest pains I developed in May that came and went, initially on the left side under my breast, and then in June. across my chest. This continues to come and go but seems to be elevated just before my menstrual cycle. To what I figured, they confirmed I had re-developed a heart murmur and advised that it is very common....I had an EKG done and this appeared to be normal but I have since read about Hyperkalemia (excessive potassium in the blood and its symptoms which seem identical to what I experienced while on Yasmin) and the person who wrote that she had pulmonary thrombosis-really concerns me. Can anyone else say that they have experienced lowered heart rate, skipping of beats/irregularity of rhythm on Yasmin?

Can the other people who have advised about the ear blockages say more? I saw a hearing doctor who told me that ortho contraceptives are odo-toxic (which means toxic to the inner ear) and they have known this in their field for a long time but the prescribing doctor and the RN I saw knew nothing about this. I have been off of Yasmin 2 months now (SEE PREVIOUS ENTRIES I MADE UNDER YASMIN RESEARCHER AND JPISANO) but my ears still feel like they have alot of pressure in them and I've just come through almost 3 months of being sick which I never am! I got a cold at the exact time I got off of the Yasmin. Then, started another head cold just this last week?

I am in a bit of a quandry right now because I am in transition career-wise and only carrying major medical so I have been very cautious about seeing Doctors right now but am quite concerned about all the things that happened while taking Yasmin that I am now still suffering from two months later.

I already filed on Federal Drug Administration's website which I highhly recommend. If they have enough well documented troubles, they can take action.

can the person who had PULMONARY THROMBOSIS please write and advise what your symptoms were and how you discovered that you had this and how it was treated?

Thank you.

SEE: Hyperkalemia by Joyce C. Hollander-Rodriquez, M.D. and James F. Calvert, JR., M.D. Oregon Health and Science University, Portland Oregon

Yasmin listed on worstpills.org because of risk of hyperkalemia because this pill increases potassium levels in the body

After doing exhaustive research this evening and reading people's entries-TAKE NOTE! Please READ UP ON HYPERKALEMIA prior to taking Yasmin or YAZ OR ANY PILL WITH THE SYNTHETIC dirosperonone. It causes increased potassium levels. Have your potassium level checked before you start this pill! I just read up on all of this tonight for the last 4 hours and this is really really serious. I think that I may have discovered that this may have been what has caused the squeezing sensations I have had in my chest for the last six months. I also had pressure and developed a heart murmur. Both of these symptoms as well as fatigue and paralysis are linked to hyperkalemia and can lead to heart attack/failure. Two resources to check: one is a letter from Health and Human Services written to one of the pharmaceutical companies who makes Yasmin-with notification that they must discontinue their advertisments because they are mis-leading in a dangerous way. If you google Yasmin and Health and Human Services, the letter should come up. I am going to try and paste a portion of it in here because I think that this is so critically important. I read through all these women's entries and I just think we are a bunch of ginny pigs and some of this is life threatening. Not the prescribing doctor, the RN or the pharmacist responded to my concerns. The RN thought it was anxiety which I've read in the last few months, women are often told-discounted because women are supposed to be "stressed". I found a great article a couple of months ago about how most women's symptoms are discounted so you have got to take personal responsibility for your health and making informed educated decisions about these things beyond responding to advertisements. Berlex, one of the pharmaceuticals-basically looking at a 1.8 billion dollar industry-our pharmaceutical industry is our number one revenue industry. Check out: eMedicine Alert-Hyperkalmia.

I had been on Yasmin for 1 yr/1.5 yrs. I just stopped taking it about 3 weeks ago due to horrible side effects. In the first 3 months I had the dizziness, mental confusion, vertigo,etc. I told my OB and she just said to take it at a different time of day. I did and seemed to be ok.

However, then the next set of side effects came into play! The horrible GI problems! I'm talking about the severe nausea (like motion sickness that just doesn't go away no matter what you eat or how many antacids you take), bloating, horrible abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and the smell of food makes you sick. I went to a GI specialist and had the whole series done, barium upper GI series, ultrasound, HIDA scan (my gallbladder was only functioning at 24%!), and a gastric endoscopy. They diagnosed me with esophagitis and gastritis due to the lesions/ulcers in my throat and stomach. I've been on Nexium for over 2 months and was still having problems. My GI specialist was great and told me that she was not convinced that it was my gallbladder causing all of the problems. I could tell that she was racking her brain trying to figure this all out!! Nothing was making sense.

That's when I started doing my own research. This is the only medication that I take! I thankfully came across this site and saw the responses of other women who had my symptoms and worse. I stopped Yasmin the next day and switched back to Loestrin. I had switched to Yasmin due to insurance and the recommendation of my OB.

I have been getting better every day but have to get Vit B12 shots once a month and now have too much potassium in my system (hyperkalemia). I drink a ton of water each day especially when it is "a bad day" and I'm on a low potassium diet. Each day I get stronger and am able to exercise (not just get through the day!) and feel more like myself, young 34, active, sexy and happy to be alive! My heart goes out to all of you and hope that you are all getting better and getting the help that you need to get better.
Well wishes to all!
B