Gianvi birth control has been linked to Pancreatitis, a serious, painful inflammation of the pancreas that may be chronic or acute. Researchers believe the estrogen in Gianvi increases the risk of pancreatitis. In addition to facing pain and suffering, people who suffer from pancreatitis face many medical tests and expensive bills.
Gianvi Overview
Gianvi is a birth control pill. It is called a “fourth generation” birth control pill because it contains a new type of synthetic progestin, called drospirenone. Though all synthetic progestins slightly elevate a woman’s risk of blood clots and other side effects, there is growing evidence that the risks with drospirenone are higher than with older forms of birth control. Gianvi also contains synthetic estrogen. In some women, this estrogen may significantly increase the amount of fatty molecules in the bloodstream, leading to pancreatitis and other side effects.
Gianvi contains a combination of two medications:
- Drospirenone (0.3-mg): Synthetic progestin, linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and death
- Ethinyl estradiol (0.02-mg): Synthetic estrogen, linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney damage
Gianvi is the generic form of Yaz, which was the most popular oral contraceptive in 2008 and 2009. Though the patent on Yaz has not yet expired, Bayer (Yaz’s manufacturer) teamed up with Teva Pharmaceuticals to create Gianvi, a generic alternative. Gianvi and Yaz contain the same amount of active ingredients. They also have the same side effects, benefits, risks, and benefits.
Gianvi and Pancreatitis
How could Gianvi birth control cause pancreatitis in women? Many researchers believe that the link is caused because Gianvi increases the amount of a fatty substance called triglycerides in the bloodstream to toxic levels. Some experts believe that women are harmed because the estrogen in Gianvi increases the amount of triglycerides. Elevated levels of triglycerides are the third-leading cause of pancreatitis, after gallstones and alcohol.
The Warnings and Precautions for Gianvi states that women who have lipid disorders are at particularly high risk of developing pancreatitis while taking Gianvi. Hyperlipidemia is a lipid disorder characterized by chronically high levels of lipids (fat-soluble molecules) in the bloodstream. Birth control pills, such as Gianvi, have been shown to further elevate the amount of fatty molecules in the bloodstream. Gianvi could make controlling a lipid disorder far more difficult.
Studies have shown that women with genetic lipid disorders who take medications containing estrogen have shown significantly higher levels of triglycerides, which significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an internal organ involved in the digestive system. It is located behind the stomach, and produces chemicals (called enzymes) that are necessary for digesting food. It also produces insulin and glucagon, two hormones that help the body regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. Severe damage to the pancreas can cause diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high blood-sugar levels.
There are two major types of pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis, characterized by a sudden swelling of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve, gets worse over time, and leads to permanent damage to the pancreas.
Left untreated, pancreatitis can cause severe bleeding, infections, and permanent damage to the pancreas.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a serious medical condition. Seek emergency attention immediately. Do not wait.
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- Clammy skin
- Fatty stools
- Fever
- Mild jaundice
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
If untreated or allowed to progress, pancreatitis can progress to kidney failure, which will require a kidney transplant. Pancreatitis can also lead to the formation of gallstones.
After you seek medical attention, you should also contact a Gianvi attorney regarding your legal rights. During medical treatment for pancreatitis, you will probably undergo multiple expensive, stressful tests. These could include abdominal X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, blood tests, urine tests, fecal fat tests, and more. You may lose income while treating your medical condition, or face physical pain and emotional anguish. Fortunately, after you treat your pancreatitis, you have a legal right to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. We can help. Contact a Gianvi lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, PLLC today.
Gianvi Side Effects
Other Gianvi side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Blood Clots
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Hyperkalemia
- Stroke
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Heart Attack
- Myocardial Infarction
- Gallbladder injury
- Pancreatitis
- Death
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