There have been accounts of ladies 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 become life-threatening.
What is pancreatitis?
Researchers have associated the estrogen in hormone-based contraceptive, such as Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella, with increased blood levels of triglyceride which can lead to pancreatitis in patients using such oral contraceptives. Another belief is that estrogen has toxic consequences 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 |initial part of a small intestine. The pancreas secretes 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 held in the gallbladder – to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood flow. 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 critical 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 continues through the back. The pain may start off mild, but become 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 extremely ill, and may need immediate medical attention. 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 very well 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 |get better, or improve (may even worsen) over time and often times leads to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute, occurs when the digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and surrounding 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 constant and debilitating. In many 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 supplied by the National Institute of Health (NIH)
It is very important if you believe after taking Yaz that you have developed pancreatitis or other serious medical issues, you need to contact a lawyer. You have legal rights and need someone to represent you.