Kidney and Gallbladder Problems
The birth control pills Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella contain a type of hormone known as drospirenone that can cause serious injury to the gallbladder or kidneys. According to reports received by the Food and Drug Administration, women using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella are much more likely to suffer gallbladder problems than those taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, another popular type of birth control pill.
Women who have developed gallbladder disease after using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella may experience symptoms such as nausea, fever, gas, jaundice or severe abdominal pain. Many women who have used these products were forced to undergo gallbladder removal surgery due to the side effects of Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella.
In addition to helping to prevent conception, drospirenone—also know as DRSP—acts as a diuretic, working to prevent weight gain and bloating during a woman’s period by eliminating water from the body.
The diuretic effects of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella can cause increased levels of potassium in the body—a condition known as hyperkalemia—which may cause serious kidney damage. Symptoms such as severe back or abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills or blood in the urine may be an indication of serious kidney injury. Kidney stones or a kidney infection may also occur after taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella.