There have been reports of women who have used or are currently using Yaz (Yazmin) birth control and have developed inflammation problems with their pancreas. Yaz pancreatitis side effects can contribute to serious complications, that could potentially turn life-threatening.
What is pancreatitis?
Researchers have associated the estrogen in hormone-based birth control, such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, with increased blood levels of triglyceride which can lead to pancreatitis in individuals using such oral contraceptives. Another belief is that estrogen has toxic effects within the pancreas itself.
Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large glad behind the stomach and close to the duodenum – the first part of a small intestine. The pancreas releases digestive juices, called enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes then join with bile – a liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder – to digest food. The pancreas also secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body convert and regulate the glucose taken in from food into energy.
In a normal, healthy pancreas the enzymes secreted by the pancreas do not become active till they reach the small intestine. So when a pancreas is inflamed the enzymes gather up inside it, and attack and damage the tissues that produce them.
Pancreatitis could be either acute or chronic, both forms are serious and can lead to complications. In extreme cases bleeding, infection and permanent tissue damage could occur.
What is acute pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and usually resolves after a few days, with treatment. It could still, however, be a life-threatening illness that can lead to dangerous complications. Acute pancreatitis is most commonly brought on by the presence of gallstones. These cause inflammation in the pancreas and they pass through the bile duct.
Symptoms
Acute pancreatitis starts out with a gradual, or sometimes sudden, pain in the upper abdominal region that extends through the back. The pain may start off mild, but get worse after eating. Often times the pain is severe, and may become constant and last for several days. A person with acute pancreatitis typically looks and feels very ill, and may need immediate medical care. Other symptoms may include:
• a swollen tender abdomen
• fever
• a rapid pulse
Gallstones that cause acute pancreatitis need to be removed surgically. Sometimes the entire gallbladder will be removed. Acute pancreatitis can many times lead to further complications such as kidney failure. People who develop kidney failure need blood-cleansing treatments called dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal, or improve (may even worsen) over time and often times leads to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute, happens when the digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing abdominal pain.
Symptoms
The majority of people with chronic pancreatitis will experience upper abdominal pain. The pain spreads to the back, and will feel worse when eating or drinking, and could become sustained and debilitating. In some cases, abdominal pain will go 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 is provided by the National Institute of Health (NIH)
It is very critical if you believe after taking Yaz that you have developed pancreatitis or other serious medical issues, you need to contact an attorney. You have legal rights and need somebody to represent you.