Yaz Side Effects: Gallbladder Disease

In some patients, treatment with Yaz has been linked to serious gallbladder complications and gallbladder disease, which includes:

• Cholecystitis (inflammation or infection of the gallbladder)
• Cholelithiasis (gallstones)

The estrogen hormones contained in oral contraceptives such as Yaz are processed by the liver and can consequently affect the gallbladder in adverse ways. Estrogens can make the bile in the gallbladder thicker and may increase the cholesterol levels in bile, making it more difficult for the gallbladder to deliver bile to the digestive system. If the properties of bile are altered in this way, it can be harder for the body to eliminate gallstones from the bile ducts.

Warning Signs of Gallbladder Disease

The early warning signs of gallbladder problems or gallstones are often confused with more minor health problems. Symptoms of gallstones may not be immediately noticed, and symptoms can emerge years after the formation of a gallstone, when the movement of the gallstone out of the gallbladder becomes obstructed. The gallbladder can become inflamed if a gallstone becomes lodged in the bile duct. Signs of gallbladder problems include:

• A feeling of heaviness under the ribs on the right side, or a “stitch” in the side
• Fever
• Hypersensitivity to smell and sight
• Irritability
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Nausea
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back
• Pain that persists for more than 5 hours
• Pain under the right shoulder blade
• Vomiting

Gallbladder problems or gallstones can be diagnosed in a variety of ways, including by x-rays, an ultrasound scan, blood tests, or a nuclear medicine test called a HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scan.

Gallbladder Removal

In some cases, a surgical procedure to permanently remove the gallbladder may be necessary if there is persistent infection, inflammation, abnormal function, or gallstone attacks experienced. Gallbladder removal, or a cholecystectomy, is an invasive surgery that can require up to a two-week recovery time. Studies done on oral contraceptives and estrogen hormones such as Yaz indicate that there is an increased lifetime risk of gallbladder removal surgery in women using the contraceptive medications.

Long-term effects associated with gallbladder removal include:

• Fatigue
• Increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or nervous system disorders
• Occasional or chronic diarrhea
• Permanent impairment of the digestive system
• Vitamin and mineral supplement therapy

Gallbladder Disease Lawsuits

More than 100 lawsuits have already been filed against Bayer Healthcare on behalf of plaintiffs who experienced adverse reactions to Yaz treatment without being adequately warned of the associated risks. The number of lawsuits is expected to reach 1000 in the coming months, with women throughout the country reporting adverse side effects including gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke following Yaz treatment.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Yaz and experienced any adverse side effects from this medication, including gallbladder complications, pancreatitis, liver failure, or kidney failure, you may wish to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Please call 800-452-0949 to obtain additional information about Yaz-related support.