Besides pregnancy prevention, Yaz birth control pills have been advertised as an effective treatment for acne, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and premenstrual syndrome. Leaving aside its benefits in treating these conditions, an alarming number of women have reported serious Yaz and gallbladder disease side effects. Healthy women with no history of gallstones problems have reported suffering from Yaz gallbladder disease.

Two Types Of GallBladder Disease

Yaz gallbladder problems come in two forms: inflammation and gallstones. Inflammation and infection of the gall bladder is known as acute cholecystitis. You may feel sharp abdominal pain, bloating, and pain under your breastbone and right shoulder blade. You might also experience sudden nausea and vomiting as well as fever.

When gallstones are present, the condition is called cholelithiasis. If the stones are small and do not block the passageway leading to the common bile duct, there may be no symptoms. On the other hand, if the stones are large and form a blockage, symptoms can be nearly identical to those associated with acute cholecystitis.

How Yaz May Contribute Toward Gallbladder Disease

Yaz gallbladder disease stems from increased levels of cholesterol and reduced activity within the organ. In addition to bile salts, your liver secretes cholesterol and other waste products. Hypersecretion of cholesterol can result from obesity, consumption of meals with a high caloric content, and ingestion of estrogen (for example, taking birth control pills).

There is suspicion that Yaz oral contraceptives sharply raise the level of cholesterol secreted from the liver. If too much resides within the gall bladder, it can crystallize into stones.

Reduced activity of the gallbladder is another possible byproduct of Yaz birth control. Under normal circumstances, the bile secreted from the liver is concentrated within your gallbladder. Contractions push the bile into the common bile duct, sending it to your duodenum to help digest fats. If those contractions subside, or their frequency declines, the concentrated bile remains within the gallbladder. That creates inflammation and in some cases, infection.

Gallbladder Removal: The Most Common Form Of Treatment

When gallbladder disease is diagnosed, or gallstones are detected with their accompanying symptoms, most doctors will recommend surgical removal of the organ. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred approach because it only requires a few small incisions. However, complications (for example, infection) can make open cholecystectomy necessary. This type of surgery requires the surgeon to make a long incision (typically between 5 and 8 inches) into your abdomen. It involves more pain and a longer recovery time.

Holding The Drug Manufacturer Accountable

Many healthy women have suffered gallbladder problems after taking Yaz birth control pills. In cases where extreme pain, fever, and other symptoms have manifested, the organ had to be surgically removed. Some of these women have filed Yaz lawsuits that claim Bayer was negligent in warning them of the significant risks involved.

If you have experienced gallbladder problems or other serious side effects after taking this oral contraceptive, consider contacting a Yaz gallbladder lawyer. There is never any cost for us to review your or a family member’s case and advise you on your legal options.