Yaz Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease is one of the serious side effects associated with Yaz. Unfortunately, Bayer has failed to provide adequate warnings regarding gallbladder side effects to users of Yaz. In many cases, young women who have suffered from Yaz gallbladder disease are unaware that their birth control pill was behind their symptoms.
Yaz gallbladder disease can be extremely painful and lead to a lifetime of digestive complications, and in some cases it can even be fatal. Women are already twice as likely to develop gallbladder disease as men because of its relationship to increased estrogen levels. Taking Yaz can increase this risk even more. That's because Yaz and other similar prescription birth control pills increase the level of estrogen in the body, which causes a boost to the cholesterol level. Gallstones are commonly attributed to high cholesterol levels.
In most cases of Yaz gallbladder disease, surgical removal of the gallbladder is required. If you use Yaz and have been diagnosed with gallstones, gallbladder disease or have had your gallbladder removed, our Yaz side effect lawyers want to hear from you today. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Symptoms of Yaz Gallbladder Disease
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right upper abdomen. Bile is made in the liver, and then stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it. The gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube—called the common bile duct—that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion.
Gallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. As gallstones move into the bile ducts and create blockage, pressure increases in the gallbladder. When this happens, a victim will experience a gallbladder "attack", which can include one or more of the following symptoms:
- steady pain in the right upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
- pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- pain under the right shoulder
- nausea
- diarrhea
- abdominal bloating
- jaundice
Gallbladder disease can lead to infection of other organs if it is not treated. For instance, people with gallbladder disease can develop an infection of the common bile duct, which if not treated, can cause liver disease and sepsis. Other complications of Yaz gallbladder disease include perforated gallbladder, pancreatitis and a fistula - an abnormal hole between the gallbladder and another organ.
Treatment of Yaz Gallbladder Disease
If you use Yaz and suffer from any of theses symptoms, you should ask your doctor about the possibility of Yaz gallbladder disease. Your doctor will likely want to have an ultrasound performed to determine if you do have gallstones. If you are diagnosed with gallbladder disease, your doctor will likely recommend removal of your gallbladder.
Removal of the gallbladder is known as a cholecystectomy. Following removal of the gallbladder, bile will be able to flow out of the liver through the hepatic ducts into the common bile duct and directly into the small intestine rather than being stored in the gallbladder. While this relieves symptoms in most cases, there can be lingering effects. For instance, gallbladder surgery patients usually follow a careful diet that includes avoiding foods that are hard on the biliary system and harmful fats. Long-term side effects of gallbladder surgery can include bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. Some patients develop a condition called postcholecystectomy syndrome.
Help for Victims of Yaz Gallbladder Disease
If you or someone you love used Yaz and developed gallbladder disease, this medication could very well be to blame. Bayer must be held accountable for failing to warn Yaz users about the potential for this serious side effect. To protect your legal rights, please fill out our online form or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) today.