Gallbladder disease is characterized by the development of gallstones and any subsequent inflammation that may ensue. The presence of such complications may result in dangerous side effects that have the potential to become life-threatening if medical intervention is neglected. Furthermore, the development of this condition may be associated with certain pharmaceutical products. Women who receive Yasmin (generic: drospirenone & ethinyl estradiol) treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing gallbladder disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Yasmin, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Yasmin Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
In continuing with a long-standing tradition of oral contraceptive products, Bayer released Yasmin into the U.S. market on May 11, 2001. Additionally, Yasmin was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to its release. Indictions on Yasmin packaging acknowledged that it was to be used in the prevention of pregnancy. However, the FDA also approved Yasmin to alleviate the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne.
Drospirenone, the active ingredient found within Yasmin, resides in a family of drugs known as progestins. As a progestin, drospirenone has the inherent ability to alter the conditions in the cervical and uterine lining, therefore preventing the ovulation process in women. By suppressing what are known as gonadotropins, drospirenone inhibits ovulation by altering the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation). The inhospitable environment created by these conditions makes it increasingly difficult for sperm to even reach an egg and attempt fertilization. When taken as directed, Yasmin has proven to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
While, drospirenone has demonstrated a unique propensity in the prevention of pregnancy, treatment is not without concern. Recent studies suggest that drospirenone may coincide with the development of catastrophic complications. Of particular concern is the potential rise in blood potassium levels. Should these levels increase beyond that of the normal ratio, the increase may result in several dangerous side effects, one of which is the development of gallbladder disease. Due to the severe nature of this condition, women may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Yasmin gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Gallbladder Disease
The purpose of the gallbladder is to assist in the digestion of foods as they travel through the digestive tract. However, the gallbladder is also responsible for the concentration of bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestive process as well. As food travels through the small intestine, ducts connected to the gallbladder release bile, further promoting the breakdown of fats.
Unfortunately, for reasons that are still ambiguous to the medical community, substances in bile may begin to harden and crystallize while still in the gallbladder. These solid masses, otherwise known as gallstones, are typically harmless. However, the development of a large gallstone may result in the blockage of numerous ducts. The resulting obstruction may cause bile to remain stagnant in the gallbladder, with no means of exit. Stagnation such as this may result in inflammation and infection, two key contributers to gallbladder disease. The following are common gallbladder diseases resulting from blockages caused by gallstones:
- Choledocholithias: Otherwise known as gallstones in the bile duct, this disease may block the neck of the gallbladder, resulting in distention and inflammation. If this should happen, bile will be backed up into the liver resulting in obstructive jaundice or into the pancreas causing acute pancreatitis.
- Biliary dyskinesia: This condition is characterized by the inability to empty the gallbladder due to stress, inflammation and an impaired sphincter. Such obstacles do not allow bile do digest necessary fats.
- Cholecystitis: This disease is characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is nearly always due to gallstones but may be due to infection.
- Cholangitis: Cholangitisis the result of inflammation in the bile duct itself. Often caused by infection, sometimes by a stuck gallstone, this condition allows bacteria to grow and spread in stagnant bile due to the blockage.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: An impacted gallstone blocks the ducts that drain the pancreas. The subsequent blockage creates an inflammation in the pancreas that inhibits the release of important enzymes.
Gallbladder Disease Complications
While 90 percent of the patients that develop gallstones do not require medical intervention, the remaining 10 percent are at risk of suffering from severe, life-threatening complications. Should a severe obstruction develop in a duct that carries bile, the following complications may ensue:
- Pancreatitis
- Infection
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gallbladder polyps
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Anomalous junction of the pancreatic and biliary ducts
- Porcelain gallbladders
Other Fourth Generation Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease:
If you have taken any one of these oral contraceptives and are worried about any of the conditions mentioned above, please contact The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP to see if you qualify for a Yasmin gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Do I Have a Yasmin Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Yasmin gallbladder disease lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Yasmin, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.