Gallbladder disease is a severe condition that affects approximately one million people every year in the United States. Though it comes in many forms, each may coincide with severe pain and life-threatening complications. Unfortunately, certain pharmaceutical products may increase the rate in which this dangerous condition is diagnosed. More specifically, women who use Safyral (generic: drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, and levomefolate) may drastically increase their risk of developing gallbladder disease along with any ensuing complications.
If you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Safyral, 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.
Safyral Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
As a new addition to the Bayer arsenal of oral contraceptives, Safyral continues with the tradition of pregnancy prevention. Having been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2010, Safyral has helped millions of women prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, a select population of women also use Safyral treatment to assist in the prevention of acne and alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Drospirenone, the active ingredient found within Safyral, 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, Safyral has proven to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, recent evidence lends weight to the long suspected link between Safyral and catastrophic complications. Studies suggest that the introduction of drospirenone-containing contraceptives may increase blood potassium ratios to dangerous levels. Subsequently, researchers believe that heightened potassium levels may result in the development of gallstones. Should a large enough gallstone develop in the gallbladder, patients may be at risk of developing gallbladder disease. Due to the severe nature of this condition, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Safyral gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Safyral Gallbladder Disease
As a major component of the digestive tract, the gallbladder is tasked with breaking down food into nutrients that the body can use. Located just below the stomach, the gallbladder acts as a reservoir for the bile that the liver produces. Once food is ingested, the gallbladder releases the bile into the small intestine where it helps to break down food, particularly those of fatty nature.
Unfortunately, certain circumstances may result in the development of gallstones. A gallstone is the byproduct of crystallized bile that has formed a solid mass. Should a large enough gallstone form, its presence may prohibit the transportation of bile to the small intestine. A blockage in the ducts leading to the small intestine may cause bile to remain stagnant in the gallbladder, with no means of exit. If the contents of the gallbladder remain stagnant for a prolonged period of time, the blockage may result in severe complications. Often times, a severe enough blockage will result in pain, infection and inflammation. The following variations of gallbladder disease may ensue:
- 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 complications have been associated with those who have been diagnosed with 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
Each of the following oral contraceptives contain drospirenone, the ingredient believed to be associated with the development of gallbladder disease:
Each of these oral contraceptives are currently involved in pending lawsuits against their corresponding manufacturers. If you have taken Safyral and are worried about any of the complications mentioned in this article, you may be entitled to compensation by filing your own Safyral gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Do I Have a Safyral 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 Safyral 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 Safyral, 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.