Bayer HealthCare is facing a new Mirena PTC lawsuit, from a California woman alleging serious Mirena brain side effects. The woman claims that serious Mirena brain side effects occurred due to the hormones from the device soon after the long-term contraceptive was implanted in her body.

Plaintiff Candice B. reportedly opted for the Mirena IUS (intrauterine system) device after reviewing Bayer’s marketing materials and was ultimately recommended to do so by her physician.

The Mirena IUS was implanted on May 23, 2008, with no initial complications. After review of the Mirena “Patient Information Booklet,” Candice had no reason believe she was at risk for Mirena brain side effects.

However, not long after the long term contraceptive was implanted, Candice allegedly began experiencing Mirena brain side effects including: headaches, vision problems like floaters and blind spots, sharp pains in the base of skull, nausea and vomiting.

Candice eventually sought treatment for her vision problems on Sept. 23, 2008, during which her physician diagnosed her with papilledema or swelling of the optic nerve. According to her Mirena PTC lawsuit, MRI images showed different intracranial abnormalities and she was eventually diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Soon after being diagnosed with this condition, Candice opted to file legal action against Bayer HealthCare for failing to warn her and other women against Mirena brain side effects.

Overview of Mirena Brain Side Effects

The Mirena IUS has been linked to serious side effects over the years, with pseudotumor cerebri being one of the most recent complications added to the list.

Also known as intracranial hypertension, this condition is often characterized by severe headaches, hearing “whooshing” sounds and having blurred or double vision.

These symptoms are often compared to brain tumor development, giving it the title of “false brain tumors.” Pseudotumor cerebri is caused by an increased amount of pressure inside the skull because of an increased production of cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid is the spongy fluid surrounding the skull and spine, which helps protect them from damage.

This fluid is continuously produced by the brain and reabsorbed into the bloodstream, but an overproduction can result in a potential reabsorption bottleneck. When the cerebrospinal fluid is not properly absorbed, it creates pressure inside the skull and may result in Mirena brain side effects including:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision Problems
• Ringing or “whooshing” in ears

The medical community currently does not know what exactly causes pseudotumor cerebri, but the hormones attached to the Mirena IUS may be a contributing cause.

It has been that the hormone, levonorgestrel may be inducing these Mirena brain side effects. This hormone is released after the IUS device is implanted which prevents pregnancy for up to five years.

Since the Mirena’s release in December 2000, it has been prescribed to millions of women seeking long term contraceptive care. However, there have been numerous reports of adverse side effects in conjunction with this product, resulting in legal action against the manufacturer.

Candice states that she never would have opted for the long term contraceptive if she had known about the potential Mirena brain side effects.

This Mirena PTC lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-05141, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.