In a new lawsuit filed on Feb. 7, 2018, in U.S. District in New York, the Bayer Company stands accused of failing to adequately warn of pseudotumor cerebri Mirena IUD side effects.

The plaintiffs are Latasha M. and Charles M., a married couple from Gretna, La. Together, they are litigating because of alleged permanent injuries sustained from Latasha’s use of the Mirena intrauterine device system as a contraceptive.

What are Pseudotumor Cerebri Mirena IUD Side Effects?

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition whereby there is increased pressure in the brain due to an excessive production of cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). PTC is called this because the symptoms of it can mimic that of a brain tumor. It does occur in some people without the hormonal influences of an implanted IUD, but pseudotumor cerebri has been found as a side effect in Mirena IUD users.

While pseudotumor cerebriMirena IUD side effects vary, symptoms of PTC include an unrelenting headache, known as a migraine, and disturbances in the visual field. The disturbances can be anything from temporary blindness to seeing spots, duplicated items, or blurry objects. The visual issues are related to a swelling of the primary optic nerve in response to the excess CSF.

According to the facts section of the Mirena IUD side effects lawsuit, auditory symptoms can also arise with this condition and are frequently experienced as hearing whooshing sounds or ringing in one or both ears. These symptoms are grouped together and frequently referred to as tinnitus.

Diagnosis of PCT or IIH is a process of ruling out a brain tumor or other issue affecting the cranium through CT scan, MRI, and EEG or other diagnostic tests.

The Plaintiff’s Experience of Mirena IUD Side Effects

While Latasha M. is now 30 years old, she was implanted with the Mirena IUD system back in 2011 when she was just 23 years old.

The Mirena IUD side effects were so severe, however, the IUD was removed in 2012—just a year later, according to the narrative of the lawsuit.

After a lengthy run of alleged Mirena IUD side effects stemming from the synthetic hormone released by the contraceptive unit, Latasha was diagnosed with IIH in October 2012. She experienced numerous headaches during the year she used the Mirena IUD system that were unresolved with typical over-the-counter pain relievers. In addition, she often was dizzy, had unfocused vision, and ringing in the ears.

It was not until this year that she connected these experiences with use of the IUD even though she had it removed.

Latasha and her husband are now bringing several causes of action against Bayer for what they believe are long-standing injuries sustained, including Negligence; Design Defect; Failure to Warn; Strict Liability; Breach of Implied and Express Warranty; Negligent Misrepresentation; Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Fraud, and Violation of State Consumer Fraud Laws; and Loss of Consortium.

The couple is asking for compensatory and punitive damages with a return of all court and attorney’s fees included.

The Mirena IUD Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-01067-UA, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.