Gallbladder disease may be presented in one of several variations, each of which are directly correlated to the presence of inflammation or gallstones. Should inflammation be severe or the gallstones be obtrusive, the resulting complications may be considered life-threatening. While this condition is relatively common, certain outside factors may increase the rate in which it is diagnosed. Women who receive Ocella treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing gallbladder disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Ocella, 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.
Ocella Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
Barr Laboratories, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals, released Ocella as a generic form of Yaz in 2008. Much like Yaz, Ocella was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the prevention of pregnancy. Furthermore, Ocella has the ability to alleviate moderate acne and several of the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Drospirenone, the active ingredient found within Ocella, 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, Ocella has proven to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, Ocella treatment may coincide with dangerous side effects. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee, drospirenone-containing drugs such as Ocella may increase blood potassium levels beyond that of the average ratio. Such an increase may lead to the development of catastrophic complications, one of which is 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 Ocella gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Gallbladder Disease
The gallbladder, a small organ located in the stomach cavity, plays a vital role in the processing of food. Its primary mechanism of action witness the concentration of bile, which is subsequently produced by the liver. The gallbladder proceeds to store bile until it is needed in the breaking down of food. Following the consumption of food, the gallbladder secretes the stored bile into the small intestine through specialized ducts. The bile then proceeds to assist in breaking down food, particularly fats.
However, certain outside factors may increase the rate in which gallstones are developed. Recent studies suggest the elevated potassium levels onset by drospirenone may be responsible. A gallstone is the byproduct of crystallized bile that has formed a solid mass. Its presence in the gallbladder may serve as an obstruction of bile flow to the small intestine and other subsequent organs. A significant blockage 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
The following is a comprehensive list of the complications that may follow the development of gallbladder disease:
- 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:
- Beyaz
- Gianvi
- Yaz
- Yasmin
- Safyral
- Loryna
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 Ocella gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Do I Have a Ocella 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 Ocella 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 Ocella, 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.