Yaz Pancreatitis Information | Yasmin Pancreatitis Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on August 23rd, 2009

Women using Yaz and Yasmin birth control have developed inflammation problems with their pancreas. Yaz pancreatitis side effects can lead to serious complications which can become life-threatening.

What is pancreatitis?

Some researchers have associated the estrogen contained in hormone-based birth control such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella with increased blood levels of triglyceride causing pancreatitis in patients using these oral contraceptives. Another theory is that estrogen has toxic effects within the pancreas itself.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes join with bile—a liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder—to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy.

Normally, digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active until they reach the small intestine. But when the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes inside it attack and damage the tissues that produce them.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications. In severe cases, bleeding, infection, and permanent tissue damage may occur.

What is acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and usually resolves in a few days with treatment. Acute pancreatitis can be a life-threatening illness with severe complications. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is the presence of gallstones that cause inflammation in the pancreas as they pass through the common bile duct.

Symptoms

Acute pancreatitis usually begins with gradual or sudden pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes extends through the back. The pain may be mild at first and feel worse after eating. But the pain is often severe and may become constant and last for several days. A person with acute pancreatitis usually looks and feels very ill and needs immediate medical attention. Other symptoms may include

• a swollen and tender abdomen
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• a rapid pulse

Gallstones that cause acute pancreatitis require surgical removal of the stones and the gallbladder. Acute pancreatitis sometimes causes kidney failure. People with kidney failure need blood-cleansing treatments called dialysis or a kidney transplant.

What is chronic pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve—it gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute pancreatitis, occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing episodes of pain.

Symptoms

Most people with chronic pancreatitis experience upper abdominal pain, although some people have no pain at all. The pain may spread to the back, feel worse when eating or drinking, and become constant and disabling. In some cases, abdominal pain goes away as the condition worsens, most likely because the pancreas is no longer making digestive enzymes. Other symptoms include

• nausea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• oily stools

*pancreatitis information provided by the National Institute of Health

We are currently representing women throughout the United States who have developed gallbladder side effects or suffered from pancreatitis while using Yaz/Yasmin. There is never any cost or obligation to talk to an attorney who can help answer your questions. All clients are individually represented in filing their Yasmin / Yaz pancreatitis lawsuit and there are never any expenses or legal fees unless you receive compensation for your injuries.

For a free no-obligation consultation please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our short online contact form and a Yasmin / Yaz pancreatitis lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.