Erin Brockovich cautions women about the Yaz gallbladder risk

“My goal is to arm women with the information they need to be safe.”

Gallbladder: Definition

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped muscular sac attached to the undersurface of the right lobe of the liver, in which bile is stored and concentrated in our bodies.

Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fat, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine in response to food (especially fats).

What is Yaz?

Yaz, which is also known under the brand name Yasmin, is a top-selling oral contraceptive marketed by Bayer HealthCare. The generic version is called Ocella.

How Yaz may be harmful to the gallbladder

Many women are coming forward to say they needed gallbladder surgery after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella contraceptives. If you, your daughter or another member of your family had gallbladder problems after taking these birth control pills, know that you are not alone and there is help available.

Yaz gallbladder disease occurs because the pills increase the cholesterol levels in the bile. It also decreases gallbladder movement and this can lead to gallstones. When a gallstone gets trapped in a bile duct, the body experiences serious problems.

Yaz gallbladder disease may result in the patient needing laproscopic gallbladder surgery, which contains its own side effects and health risks.

A recent article in the New York Times highlights the comments of certain researchers and health advocates who say that Yaz puts women at higher risk for blood clots, strokes and other health problems than some other birth control pills.

If you would like to tell me your story about Yaz and side effects such as the need for gallbladder surgery, please complete the form on this page.