Teva Pharmaceuticals’ popular oral contraceptive Gianvi has reportedly been linked to the development of severe gallbladder diseases, each of which may coincide with severe, life-threatening complications. Studies suggest Gianvi’s adverse gallbladder effects may be due to the increased potassium levels created by drospirenone, one of the active ingredients found in the birth control pill. Signs and symptoms of a Gianvi-induced gallbladder disease may include indigestion, gas, bloating, a distinct tenderness under the rib cage and the presence of gallstones.
If you or a loved one has developed gallbladder disease after taking Gianvi, 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.
Gianvi Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
Gianvi was introduced to the U.S. market in 2010 by Teva Pharmaceuticals. As the generic counterpart and equivalent to Yaz, Gianvi utilizes a dual action formula that consists of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Each of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the prevention of pregnancy in women who choose to use oral contraceptives. However, Gianvi may also be used in the treatment of acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Just as Loryna, Beyaz, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella utilize drospirenone in the prevention of pregnancy, so does Gianvi. Drospirenone has the inherent ability to prevent the ovulation process in women by altering conditions in the cervical and uterine lining. Combination oral contraceptives (COCs) such as these act by suppressing gonadotropins.
Although the primary mechanism of this action is the inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation). As a result, these altered conditions make it more difficult for any sperm to reach the uterus. Therefore serving as an affective form of birth control.
Unfortunately, Gianvi treatment has been linked the development of severe gallbladder diseases, each of which may coincide with the development of gallstones and subsequent complications. Studies suggest Gianvi’s adverse gallbladder effects may be due to the increased potassium levels created by drospirenone. Due to the severe nature of such diseases, women my contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP in regards to their potential Gianvi gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Gianvi Side Effects
The following is a comprehensive list of the side effects associated with the use Gianvi:
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Severe allergic reactions
- Breast discharge
- Calf or leg pain
- Irregular heart beat
- Breathing difficulties
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Hyperkalemia
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA)
- Heart attack
- Myocardial infraction
- Gallbladder disease
- Death
Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones are solid crystalline precipitates usually found in the biliary tract. They are typically derived from bile consisting of calcium, cholesterol and bilirubin, increased potassium levels may increase their occurrence rate. These stones may vary significantly in size, ranging from a grain of sand to the dimensions of a golf ball. 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.
Do I Have a Gianvi 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 Gianvi gallbladder disease lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has developed a gallbladder disease after taking Gianvi, 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.