Woman says Yaz caused damage to gallbladder

GALVESTON � Complaining that she suffered abdominal problems after taking Yaz and Yasmin, Lana Speck has filed suit against the manufacturers of the oral contraceptive.

Speck's lawsuit accuses Bayer Corp. and other companies of failing to warn patients and healthcare providers about any potential risks tied to Yaz/Yasmin despite their awareness of those risks.

Court papers were filed Jan. 31 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 1.

Speck says she was on Yaz/Yasmin from 2001 to 2008 to regulate her menstrual cycle. Under her gynecologist's supervision, the plaintiff claims she took the standard doses and complied with the instructions.

The original petition shows Speck underwent a cholecystectomy after she experienced severe stomach pain in early 2006 when she was about to renew her prescription.

"After her gallbladder was removed, the plaintiff was in constant severe chest and upper abdominal pain as a result of her removed gallbladder," it says.

"In addition, the plaintiff suffered continuous issues with her digestion that caused extreme diarrhea, indigestion, and crippling abdominal pain."

Speck adds that physicians also discovered gallstones. She suffered from and continues to have post-cholecystectomy syndrome, the suit says.

Consequently, the plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages.

She is represented by attorney Ed Rainey of Houston.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County Court at Law No. 1 Judge John Grady.

Cause No. 64,606