Bayer HealthCarePharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of the intrauterine device (IUD) Mirena. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mirena for use in the U.S. in 2000 to prevent pregnancy. In 2009, it approved the device to treat heavy periods for women who use intrauterine contraception.
Made of a tiny, T-shaped, flexible plastic material, Mirena contains levonorgestrel, a hormone used in many oral contraceptives. Mirena emits doses of the hormone on a continuous basis. It may work by causing the cervical mucus to thicken, preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
While Mirena may be more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy for up to five years, it may be linked to multiple serious side effects. If you suffer complications, get help from Mirena IUD lawyers to recover damages.
Possible Complications and Side Effects of Mirena IUD
Mirena may be associated with increased risk of ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube) that require immediate medical attention and can be life threatening.
In addition, the IUD may dislodge or move from its location and perforate or penetrate the uterine wall. In some cases the IUD may go through the uterus and damage other organs. In some cases, it might adhere to the uterus wall and require removal.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may also be associated with Mirena use in some patients. The following are some of the additional side effects of Mirena.
- Dizziness
- Severe cramps
- Pain in the side or stomach
- Ovarian cysts
- Fever
- Chills
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Weakness or easy bruising or bleeding
- Headache, which may be sudden or severe
- Allergic reactions
- Jaundice
- Sudden numbness, possibly on one side of the body
Some less serious side effects may include back pain, nausea, vomiting, acne, weight gain, and more.
If you experience serious symptoms while using Mirena, contact your doctor immediately. Meanwhile, Mirena IUD attorneys can help you take legal action against the manufacturer or another party if you suffered serious complications related to use of this device.
Filing a Lawsuit with Mirena IUD Lawyers
There are thousands of women who suffered adverse side effects related to use of Mirena for birth control. Many women have filed lawsuits against Bayer for damages related to health problems they’ve suffered. Some have accused Bayer of deceptive marketing practices and intentional failure to properly disclose information about known health risks.
The FDA has also sent a warning letter to Bayer about misleading advertising practices in 2009. According to the FDA, the drug manufacturer made public claims that the IUD would improve intimacy and romance in users and would make women “look and feel great” if they used it while in reality, the drug may cause weight gain, acne and more. The FDA also warned Bayer that it was failing to report essential health risks to users.
Meanwhile, a doctor or other healthcare professional who is negligent in prescribing Mirena may be negligent and therefore liable for damages that result. Your attorney can help you identify which party may be liable for your damages, which depends on the case details.
Get Help from our Lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates
Gacovino, Lake & Associates are dedicated to helping victims of defective medical devices. If you’ve suffered injury or illness from using the Mirena IUD, we can help you understand your legal rights and can help you build a case to recover compensation. Call us today at (800) 550-0000 or use our contact page to request a consultation with our Mirena IUD attorneys.
