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LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

Yasmin/Yaz Birth Control Linked to Gallbladder Problems

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Nampa, IDAmber had her gallbladder removed when she was just 19 years old. At the time, no one associated Yasmin, the birth control she was taking, with gallbladder problems. Now 21, Amber says having her gallbladder removed "really sucks because I get really bad heartburn when I eat greasy and fatty foods, but they taste so good!"

Yasmin VictimAmber first experienced chest pains when she was a healthy18-year-old: she had been on Yasmin for 2 years and didn't take any other drugs. "Finally I went to ER because the pains got worse and caused me to wake up in pain," says Amber. "Doctors told me it was just a muscle behind my sternum swelling up so I continued taking Yasmin and continued suffering from these pains.

I joined the army and when I got back from basic training I was back in the hospital. This time they told me I needed my gallbladder removed within a month or it could cause serious problems, even death. Apparently, gallstones were getting bigger and if one of them got into a tube connected with my gallbladder it could kill me. I was terrified; I had the army doctors check me out and they confirmed the diagnosis.

The doctors asked what meds I was taking but none of them connected Yasmin to gallbladder problems. Then I was watching TV and saw a commercial linking Yasmin and Yaz to gallbladder problems. I researched Yasmin online and discovered a lot of complaints. And the symptoms were the same as mine.

I was very upset; when my dad and I talked to our doctor about birth control, he told us that Yasmin was the best choice of birth control for a teenage girl. My doctor retired one month after my gallbladder surgery so I can't confront him about it. I would like to confront the manufacturer—I have no idea why this drug is on the market; I was led to believe these drugs are tested before they are approved.

Just before he retired, my doctor referred me to his associate. My new doctor changed my birth control—he told me that he never prescribed Yasmin to any patients. "

Amber is just one of many young women who have taken Yasmin and suffered from gallbladder problems.

Sandra says her 13-year-old daughter was prescribed Yaz for severe bleeding, migraine and painful periods. She recently had gallbladder surgery. "She missed over 20 days of school in 2008," says Sandra, "and she went back to ER three times this year –one time she got so dizzy and sick that she fell and stayed in the hospital overnight."

Jenny says 16-year-old autistic daughter had her gallbladder removed, after taking Yasmine for 2 years. "She was prescribed this birth control pill to control cystic issues, but last December she had her gallbladder removed and has continuing bladder and kidney issues and the doctors can't figure out why…"

"I have been taking Yasmin since I was 14 and at 20 I had to have my gallbladder removed," says Renee.

Clearly, many young women are suffering gallbladder problems associated with Yasmin and Yaz. Ironically, the makers of these birth control pills warn users not to take Yasmin or Yaz if you have gallbladder disease (among a host of other conditions listed). What the don't say is that Yasmin and Yaz may cause gallbladder disease.

READ ABOUT YASMIN LAWSUITS

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
Just came across this shocking information after being diagnosed w gallbladder stone and thickening of the gallbladder wall. I'm going for surgery next minth. Cant believe it's caused by Yasmin - which I've been taking for years and spend a fortune on thinking it was one of the best brands on the market!!

Posted by

on
Hi Hayley,
I apologise for taking so long to reply, I totally forgot I had even posted this and came accross it searching again about the problem!
Yes, your symptoms sound so similar to my own! After the first ultrasound I had when sediment was found I completely cut fat out of my diet and on the second re-test, no sediment was found at all! However, for months I kept experiencing the same symptoms, which i'm sure your aware can be stressful when your trying to get on with things as normal! If I am honest not a lot more was done with the specialists, once there was nothing to see in my gallbladder I was not given anymore appointments despite the fact I was losing weight and permenantly tired due to the symptoms.
The past three to four months I have been feeling much better and very rarely get the pain I was getting so often! However, I know suffer from bloating and sometimes swelling and without fail acid reflux and I do vomit a lot after meals. Overall, I do feel much better in myself, Im training again and have completed my first year at university so the problem is more of an inconvenience now that a real issue!
I really hope that your symptoms have improved and if not you push for the medical attention you are entitled to! I know that if my symptons worsen, I will push to be seen to from now on, after feeling fobbed off at one stage.
Im just wondering whether you have noticed your symptoms worse at certain times during your menstural cycle? I didn't twig for months as I was very irregular after coming off birth control completely, but once my cycle was as normal as it was going to get, I realise that my symptoms were much worse when I was ovulating and just before my period. I do know now that this can be due to estrogen levels but I'm not completely sure!

I hope you have improved as I have myself! Good luck and let me know how your getting on.

Best wishes, Sophie

Posted by

on
Hi Sophie

I am experiencing very similar problems, hence my post on here. I have been on Dianette nearly 4 years, initally I went on this pill as it was good for skin (mine was terribly spotty) and thankfully it has worked wonders. About 4 months ago I started getting discomfort on my right side, under my rib and round to my back. This is accompanied by headaches, feeling sick, fullness, bloating, food not digesting as it should, indegestion etc etc. Doc sent me for a Ultrasound which revealed a gallbladder polyps (like a small benign growth) however, I was told by the radiographer that this wouldn't cause my discomfort as these are pretty common? After reading on the internet (sometimes a bad thing) I believe Dianette has casued this, although I am keeping an open mind. I have decided to come off the pill and took my last one yesterday, I am not planning any other form of contraceptive, apart from tradtional methods. I am hoping this will elimate my many symptoms. Also, just for the record, I am a healthy weight, have a balanced diet, rarely drink, do not smoke and exercise regular.

I cannot help you but wanted to share my story - it seems as if you've been through a rought time with it!

Regards
Hayley

Posted by

on
Im 18 and i was only taking yasmin for one month when admitted into hospital. Previous to that i had been taking Dianette for approximatly three months. I was rushed to A&E after suffering sever pain in my upper abdomen on my right side. The pain was debillitating and raidiated into my chest and around my back. I was told my amalayse levels were elivated and sent for scans to look for what caused my possible 'pancreasitis'. Everything looked fine apart from sediment in my Gallbladder which i was told was not an issue. I missed an examination and had to quit my training for a Marathon. I had always been very active and healthy before i started birth control. The doctors are still unsure as to what is causing my weight loss, vomitting and at times severe pain in my upper abdomen. I am now being reffered to see two different specialists so will hopefully soon be diagnosed and treated. The only thing i can link the change in my health is Birth control and after reading what everyone has written it has only backed up my hypothesis. I live in thre UK but am just wondering if anyone has persuied legal cases against yasmine? Anyone with any advice i would much apprechiate you replying! Thanks Sophie

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