As the name suggests, gallbladder disease is a condition that affects the organ in which it was named after. Subsequently, gallbladder disease is characterized by both inflammation and the development of gallstones. Each of which, if serious enough, may result in life-threatening circumstances. Unfortunately, the rate in which people develop this condition may increase upon the introduction of certain pharmaceutical products. More specifically, women who take Yaz (generic: drospirenone & ethinyl estradiol) may significantly increase their risk of developing gallbladder disease, along with any complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Yaz, 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.
Yaz Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
Yaz, a product of Bayer, gained the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 16, 2006. Upon its release, Yaz was indicated for the prevention of pregnancy by those who choose the route of oral contraception. Additionally, Yaz treatment is also prescribed to women suffering from moderate acne outbreaks and symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In the prevention of pregnancy, Yaz introduces a unique ingredient known as drospirenone. Otherwise known as a fourth generation ingredient, drospirenone is a progestin that 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, Yaz has proven to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, Yaz treatment has recently become synonymous with the development of severe, life-threatening complications. Accordingly, the use of Yaz may increase blood potassium levels beyond that of what is typically safe. Furthermore, elevated potassium levels 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 Yaz gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Gall Bladder Disease
The gallbladder is an inherently small organ tasked with the regulation of fat digestion. However, the gallbladder is also responsible for the concentration of bile produced by the liver. After the ingestion of food, the gallbladder secretes the stored bile into the small intestine where it helps with the digestion 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 development of gallbladder disease.
The presence of gallstones may result in several complications, each varying in severity based on the size of the specific stone. 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.
Gallbladder Disease Treatment
Gallbladder diseases treatment is directly correlated to the size of the gallstone that originally caused the condition to develop. Approximately 90 percent of gallstones do not result in complications and have a tendency to treat themselves. However, those that are serious enough must receive medical intervention before they result in life-threatening circumstances. The first treatment option relies on the use of antibiotics to prevent infection. Though this option does not treat gall bladder disease, it may prevent infections from spreading. Certain medications may also be prescribed to dissolve small cholesterol gallstones and reduce symptoms. In the event that the gallstones have cause severe damage, surgeons may preform a cholecystectomy. This procedure witnesses the removal of the gallbladder entirely. Doing so will prevent the risk of further complications.
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 Yaz gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Do I Have a Yaz 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 Yaz 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 Yaz, 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.