Bayer HealthCare is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging serious problems with the Mirena IUD birth control.

One of the most recently filed Mirena lawsuits comes from a woman from Florida, alleging she developed pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) soon after being implanted with the Mirena IUD birth control device.

Plaintiff Elizabeth P. alleges the Mirena IUD birth control caused her to experience severely painful headaches, migraines and other brain tumor like symptoms. Like millions of other women in the United States, Elizabeth was recommended the Mirena IUD birth control device after discussing long term contraceptive options with her physician.

According to the Mirena lawsuit, Elizabeth reviewed Bayer’s Patient Information Booklet regarding the Mirena IUD birth control that had explained the device’s benefits.

The Mirena IUD birth control device is a small T-shaped device, which is directly implanted into the uterus for up to five years. The two endpoints of the device contain a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, which directly counteracts sperm to egg fertilization.

With these benefits in mind, Elizabeth claims, she had the Mirena IUD birth control device implanted on May 21, 2009, and reportedly experienced no initial complications. However, not long after the contraceptive was implanted, Elizabeth reportedly began experiencing several painful side effects including headaches, neck pain, blurry vision and peripheral vision issues.

Elizabeth was eventually diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri on May 11, 2010, after undergoing an MRI.

Overview of Mirena Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that causes patients to experience “false brain tumor,” due to the symptoms it causes. This condition occurs when there is buildup in the cerebrospinal fluid that protects the spine and skull.

This fluid is constantly reabsorbed through the body, but can cause serious headaches and migraines if the body becomes unable to keep up with the resorption process.

There could be a number of factors that can contribute to this condition, but it has been alleged that the Mirena IUD birth control device has been a cause. More specifically, it has been alleged that levonorgestrel can induce potential device complications in patients including pseudotumor cerebri.

The treatment process for pseudotumor cerebri varies between patients, but patients may have to undergo a lumbar puncture to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the body. This alleviates pressure in the skull and can help ease the patient’s pain.

Elizabeth alleges she was one of the patients who underwent this procedure on May 11, 2010, and a second one just two days later.

Her Mirena IUD birth control device was eventually removed on Aug. 25, 2011, and Elizabeth says she is still impacted with long term PTC side effects. Elizabeth alleges Bayer HealthCare either knew or should have known that the Mirena IUD birth control device could cause pseudotumor cerebri, but failed to warn the public.

Elizabeth states she would not have agreed to have the Mirena IUD birth control implanted if she had known the potential device complications. Elizabeth’s Mirena lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2767, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging pseudotumor cerebri.

By joining an MDL, Elizabeth’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This Mirena IUD Birth Control Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-04853-PAE-JLC, in the U.S. District Court of Southern New York.