Yaz Birth Control Linked to Gallbladder Disease

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Yaz birth control lawsuits have been filed across the country because of their association with an increased risk of strokes, blood clots, and heart attacks. However, the Yaz birth control pills are now being linked to an increased risk of gallbladder disease. These Yaz side effects seem to be caused by the higher level of estrogen related to Yaz contraceptive use.
In 2001, FDA approved Yasmin, which contains drospirenone, a progestin that can increase the body’s potassium levels. According to the drug’s label, the potassium increase may put women with liver and kidney problems at higher risk for serious side effects including blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Yaz, which also contains drospirenone and a lower dose of estrogen, was approved in 2006 as both a contraceptive and a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne. Bayer, which manufactures both contraceptives, has aggressively marketed the contraceptives resulting in nearly $2 billion in worldwide sales in 2008.
In 2008, the FDA sent Bayer a warning letter about its Yaz marketing campaign. The FDA noted that Bayer had overstated its efficacy and its promotion for uses (premenstrual syndrome) which the FDA had not approved. In August 2009, Bayer received a second FDA warning letter concerning its quality control practices in its manufacturing plant in Germany.

Eva Bleich
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