Yaz and Gallbladder Disease

There are hundreds of cases filed nationally alleging that the birth control Yaz (Yasmin and Ocella) has contributed to gallbladder disease in many younger women carrying few risk factors for this disease. This article discusses some of the science related to how Yaz may cause gallbladder disease.

How does Yaz cause Gallbladder Disease?

Generally, Gallbladder disease involves the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. Gallstones are cholesterol that has formed in response to certain imbalances in the chemical composition of bile. One theory, though currently unproven, is that Yaz may increase cholesterol levels in bile. The increased cholesterol caused by Yaz may then increase the formation of gallstones.

Does Drospirenone cause gallbladder disease?

Drospirenone, the progestin in Yaz, may represent a double risk factor for gallbladder disease. Drospirenone is the analog of spironolactone – a substance with a strong diuretic action. The issue of weight loss allowed Bayer a marketing advantage over other birth control pills. However, drospirenone may cause dehydration and increase potassium levels in blood causing some health problems, including gallbladder disease. Because of the dehydration, the bile becomes over-saturated, causing the gallbladder to slow down, and the formation of gallstones. Other contraceptives do not use drospirenone so they do not have the risk of the increased potassium and diuretic affect on the gallbladder. Once the gallstones form, a surgical procedure is required to remove the gallbladder.

References

• WebMD website. Drugs and Medications – Yaz 28 oral. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-95358-YAZ+28+Oral.aspx?drugid=95358&drugname=YAZ+28+Oral&source=3
• Elizabeth B. Connell, MD. The Contraception Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill; New York: 2001.
• C Thijs and P Knipschild. Oral contraceptives and the risk of gallbladder disease: a meta-analysis. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1695167/ Accessed on January 8, 2010.
• Yaz – Combination and Detailed Patient Labeling. Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, 2007.
• American Medical Association. Complete Medical Encyclopedia. Random House Reference; New York: 2003.
• Yaz Gallbladder Disease Information Center website. Available at: http://www.yazgallbladderdisease.com/ Accessed on January 8, 2010.
• Wikipedia web site. Drospirenone. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drospirenone Accessed on January 8, 2010.