Please note, The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP is no longer accepting Loryna claims. If you feel that you may have a potential case, we urge you to locate another law firm adequately suited to handle your claim.
The development of gallbladder disease is often directly correlated to the formation of gallstones, tiny crystalline pebbles formed from bile. The presence of gallstones may serve as an obstruction to gallbladder ducts, therefore creating a backup of bile that can result in severe, life-threatening complications. Of significant concern, however, is the use of certain medications that may contribute to the rate in which people develop gallbladder disease. Women who take Loryna may significantly increase their risk of developing this condition.
If you or a loved one has suffered from gallbladder disease after taking Loryna, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Loryna Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit Overview
Sandoz, the company responsible for the launch of Loryna, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute the oral contraceptive on March 28, 2011. Once introduced to the U.S. market Loryna was indicated to assist in the prevention of pregnancy. When taken as directed, it has exhibited a 99 percent success rate. However, it is also approved for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age.
As a fourth generation contraceptive, Loryna utilizes an active ingredient known as drospirenone. Drospirenone is a progestin that has the inherent ability to alter the conditions in the cervical and uterine lining, therefore preventing the ovulation process in women. By suppressing what are known as gonadotropins, drospirenone inhibits ovulation by altering the cervical mucus (which increases the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduces the likelihood of implantation).
Unfortunately, the use of drospirenone-containing contraceptives has become associated with serious side effects. Subsequently, Loryna may increase potassium levels beyond that of which is considered safe. According to a recent FDA Advisory Committee that convened to discuss the issue, increased potassium levels may result in severe complications. Of significant concern, is the development of gallstones that may result from spiked levels of potassium. The presence of large gallstones may subject an individual to gallbladder disease. Therefore, women who take Loryna may significantly increase their risk of developing gallbladder disease. If you have taken Loryna and are worried about these complications, contact our lawyers today to see if you qualify for a Loryna gallbladder disease lawsuit.
Gallbladder Disease
The purpose of the gallbladder is to assist in the digestion of foods as they travel through the digestive tract. However, the gallbladder is also responsible for the concentration of bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestive process as well. As food travels through the small intestine, ducts connected to the gallbladder release bile, further promoting the breakdown of fats.
Unfortunately, for reasons that are still ambiguous to the medical community, substances in bile may begin to harden and crystallize while still in the gallbladder. These solid masses, otherwise known as gallstones, are typically harmless. However, the development of a large gallstone may result in the blockage of numerous ducts. The resulting obstruction may cause bile to remain stagnant in the gallbladder, with no means of exit. Stagnation such as this may result in inflammation and infection, two key contributers to gallbladder disease. The following are common gallbladder diseases resulting from blockages caused by gallstones:
- Choledocholithias: Otherwise known as gallstones in the bile duct, this disease may block the neck of the gallbladder, resulting in distention and inflammation. If this should happen, bile will be backed up into the liver resulting in obstructive jaundice or into the pancreas causing acute pancreatitis.
- Biliary dyskinesia: This condition is characterized by the inability to empty the gallbladder due to stress, inflammation and an impaired sphincter. Such obstacles do not allow bile do digest necessary fats.
- Cholecystitis: This disease is characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is nearly always due to gallstones but may be due to infection.
- Cholangitis: Cholangitisis the result of inflammation in the bile duct itself. Often caused by infection, sometimes by a stuck gallstone, this condition allows bacteria to grow and spread in stagnant bile due to the blockage.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: An impacted gallstone blocks the ducts that drain the pancreas. The subsequent blockage creates an inflammation in the pancreas that inhibits the release of important enzymes.
Gallbladder Disease Complications
The following is a comprehensive list of the complications that may follow the development of gallbladder disease:
- Pancreatitis
- Infection
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gallbladder polyps
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Anomalous junction of the pancreatic and biliary ducts
- Porcelain gallbladders
Similar Drospirenone-Containing Contraceptives
The following fourth generation contraceptives contain drospirenone and may also significantly increase the risk of a woman suffering from gallbladder disease:
Do I Have a Loryna Gallbladder Disease Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Loryna gallbladder disease lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from a gallbladder disease after taking Loryna, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.