Mirena

There are benefits and drawbacks of different contraceptive options for women. Many women appreciate the low-maintenance option of an intrauterine device (IUD). The IUD is inserted inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. However, like other medical devices, there are downsides.

Some IUD users have complained about the side effects and unexpected adverse events involving Mirena IUDs. Patients may feel like they don’t have any option for taking on the big drug companies. However, if a defective drug or medical device causes injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages. If you have questions about an IUD product defect claim, contact a Mirena IUD lawyer for legal advice.

What Is a Mirena IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a birth control device inserted inside the uterus. The small T-shaped device triggers your body to create an environment where sperm cannot fertilize an egg. Sperm cannot pass through the uterus to reach the fallopian tube, preventing pregnancy.

An IUD triggers inflammation in the uterus through a copper IUD or progestin hormone IUD. A copper IUD causes the uterine tissue to become inflamed so the egg cannot implant in the uterine wall. A hormonal IUD releases levonorgestrel which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the fallopian tubes.

There are many benefits of an IUD for many patients, including low maintenance. It can last for five to 10 years before needing replacement. At any time you want to get pregnant, your health care provider can remove the IUD.

Mirena and Kyleena are IUDs produced by the drug brand Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

What Are the Side Effects of the Mirena IUD?

When you look at the prescription information for any drug or medical device, there is a lot of information. Prescribing information includes warnings and adverse reactions. Warnings and precautions include:

• Complications if pregnancy occurs, including ectopic pregnancy
• Group A streptococcal infection
• Risks of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine perforation
• Expulsion
• Altered bleeding patterns

Each patient is different, and some drugs may have long-term effects that are unknown during clinical trials. When you experience an adverse reaction, your doctor should report it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch. The most common adverse reactions included:

• Alterations of menstrual bleeding patterns
• Abdominal/pelvic pain
• Headache/migraine
• Absence of menstrual periods
• Genital discharge
• Vulvovaginitis

Can You File a Legal Claim for IUD Injuries?

There have been several Mirena cases filed against Bayer since it was first FDA-approved in 2000. Some patients complained of organ perforation and device migration. The patients filed lawsuits against the company, alleging the company did not properly warn patients about the risks. Bayer settled many of these claims.

If you suffered injuries because your doctor improperly inserted the IUD, you may have a medical malpractice claim. In a medical malpractice lawsuit, your doctor can be liable for professional negligence.

If a defective drug or medical device caused your injuries, you can file a claim against the pharmaceutical company. In a product liability claim, you can show the product was defective as sold. Types of product defect claims include:

• The medical device was dangerous as designed
• There were manufacturing defects that caused the device to be dangerous
• There were no proper warnings of the risks and hazards of the expected uses of the device

What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

Many defective product claims are combined into a single case. This is a class action lawsuit. A class action lawsuit usually involves plaintiffs in a similar position. For example, if thousands of people took a dangerous drug and suffered the same types of injuries, they may have common claims. Instead of thousands of lawsuits, a class action lawsuit can resolve all the claims at the same time.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Class action defective medical device claims can take a long time. An attorney can review your case to help you determine your legal rights. You may be able to file a product defect or medical malpractice lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. To find out about your rights, talk to a Mirena IUD lawsuit attorney.