Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder News
Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella side effects continue to cause gallbladder problems for young women with no previous related health issues. Some people consider Yasmin and gallstones in the context of gallbladder disease. While inflammation of the gall bladder is common when stones prevent bile from exiting the organ, the potential side effects extend much further. For example, depending on the location of the gallstones, they can cause acute pancreatitis. For the latest Yaz lawsuit gallbladder news please contact us for more information.
Some people believe Yasmin, Ocella and Yaz birth control contributes to the formation of stones by raising your cholesterol level while reducing the frequency of your gallbladder’s contractions. In most cases, gallstones either remain within the organ or migrate into the cystic or common bile duct. However, stones can occasionally migrate further down the biliary tract and block the juncture where the common bile duct merges with the pancreatic duct. A blockage in this area sets the stage for the development of pancreatitis, one of the dangerous side effects of Yasmin gallstones.
Yaz Gallstones And Your Pancreas
Your pancreas sits between your stomach and duodenum (i.e. top portion of your small intestine). It performs three jobs. First, it secretes digestive enzymes that are needed in your duodenum to digest proteins and carbohydrates. Second, it secretes a compound called sodium bicarbonate to nullify stomach acid within the duodenum. Third, it produces insulin to help regulate your blood-sugar levels. It is the digestive enzymes that can trigger inflammation of your pancreas.
The enzymes travel through the pancreatic duct on their way to your small intestine. This duct merges with the common bile duct just before reaching the sphincter of Oddi (an outlet that opens into the duodenum). If Yasmin gallstones block the sphincter of Oddi, the digestive enzymes become trapped within the duct.
Normally, the enzymes travel within pancreatic fluid. The fluid contains inhibitors that prevent the digestive enzymes from becoming active. When stones block the sphincter of Oddi, the enzymes overwhelm the inhibitors. They become active and begin digesting the cells of your pancreas, which causes inflammation.
Side Effects Of Acute Pancreatitis
Symptoms that accompany pancreatitis are similar to those that present with gallbladder attacks. You will experience sharp upper abdominal pain. Assuming the inflammation of your pancreas is due to Yaz and gallstones, the symptoms will reach their peak intensity within minutes.
Every case is unique. While the pain can subside within two or three days, it can potentially last for months. Moreover, if the inflammation is allowed to recur and persist over long periods, it can eventually disrupt your pancreas’s ability to function properly. This is referred to as chronic pancreatitis.
Recurring inflammation caused by the activated digestive enzymes will eventually destroy the cells that normally secrete the enzymes. While the pain of an attack may subside, your pancreas will become less capable of helping with the digestion of foods within your small intestine. This can lead to issues related with malabsorption because food is not broken down sufficiently.
Treating The Condition
While Yasmin gallstones rarely become symptomatic, those that do usually require medical attention. Doctors normally recommend gallbladder removal surgery. Unfortunately, the operation will not address stones that are blocking the sphincter of Oddi and causing acute pancreatitis. If gallstones have migrated deeply within your biliary tract, you may need to undergo ERCP with an endoscopic sphincterotomy. Bile duct damage becomes a greater risk.
If you or someone you know has used Yasmin, Yaz or Ocella oral contraceptives and developed gallstones or suffered gall bladder disease, it’s time to explore your legal rights. Contact an experienced Yaz attorney to discuss your case.