A recent Mirena IUD lawsuit has been filed against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals (Bayer), alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to adequately and properly test the intrauterine birth control device and failed to warn consumers of dangerous Mirena complications including uterine perforation.

Plaintiff Marisela O., a Virginia resident, had the Mirena IUD implanted in January 2010 and claims that Bayer’s defective design of the Mirena IUD caused the device to perforate her uterus, the Mirena IUD lawsuit states.

As a result of the Mirena IUD uterine perforation, Marisela had to undergo laproscopic surgery to remove the device in June 2010.

The Mirena IUD Lawsuit also accuses Bayer of failing to perform sufficient tests, if any, on women using Mirena during clinical trials and misrepresenting Mirena to the medical community and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What is Mirena?

Mirena is a type of long-acting, reversible birth control called a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) and is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. An IUD is a small, flexible, t-shape device that is implanted in the uterus. Mirena uses levonorgesterel — a progestin birth control hormone — and slowly releases a small amount into the uterus over time.

It was approved in 2000 by the FDA and is more than 99 percent effective in controlling pregnancy for up to 5 years, at which point the implant must be replaced. Mirena is recommended for women who at least have had one child.

This device is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but some women may experience dangerous, life-threatening side effects such as perforation of the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. The device may also spontaneously move from the uterus and embed in other parts of the body such as the uterine wall or abdomen, requiring difficult surgery to remove.

Mirena IUD Complications

One of the many complications that may result from use of Mirena involves its potential to cause uterine perforations. Perforation of the IUD may cause patients to experience bloating, vomiting, lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding and other symptoms, including diminished fertility or the inability to conceive a child. Other dangerous Mirena IUD side effects include:

• Device expulsion or migration
• Pregnancy complications
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Mirena Lawsuits

Mirena lawsuits filed against Bayer Pharmaceuticals allege that the company is guilty of failing to warn the public that the device is prone to spontaneous migration and perforation of the uterus. A number of women claim that the drug manufacturer knew of the dangerous risks and released a defective product.

The Mirena IUD lawsuit is seeking compensatory, treble, and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees for Bayer’s alleged reckless and willful indifference to the health, safety, and welfare of not only Marisela but also the public. The Mirena lawsuit indicates a demand for a jury trial for this case.

The Mirena IUD Lawsuit is Case No. 2:14-cv-03486-SDW-MCA, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.