Bayer HealthCare is facing serious product liability allegations in a recently filed Mirena IUD lawsuit from a New York woman alleging she experienced serious Mirena IUD side effects. The woman says she was prescribed the long term contraceptive for typical birth control uses, then suffered unexpected Mirena IUD side effects including pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Like numerous other women, plaintiff Bianca P. says she was recommended the long term contraceptive and had experienced unexpected Mirena IUD side effects soon after. According to the Mirena IUD lawsuit, Bianca had the contraceptive implanted on May 9, 2011 and had experienced no initial complications.

Bianca had opted for the Mirena IUD after reviewing different advertisements from Bayer and discussing the decision with her physician. More specifically, Bianca and her physician allegedly relied on the “Patient Information Booklet” when learning about the Mirena IUD.

The Mirena IUD is a T-shaped device, which is directly inserted into the uterus and is meant to stay there for up to five years. There is a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel on the device’s endpoints, which are released to prevent sperm to egg fertilization.

The Mirena IUD is meant to provide women with a convenient and hassle free method of birth control, without the risk of serious IUD side effects.

Overview of Mirena IUD Side Effects

However, numerous women like Bianca have reported suffering a multitude of Mirena IUD side effects just several months after the device was implanted. The Mirena IUD side effects listed in her lawsuit included severe headaches, vision problems, ringing in ears, vomiting and fever, which are all signs of pseudotumor cerebri.

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in which a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in the skull, which often causes serious headaches, migraines, and other symptoms typically associated with brain tumors. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the skull and spine, and is constantly reabsorbed throughout the body.

When the body slows down in the resorption process, then a buildup can occur and cause PTC. Treatment for PTC varies between patients, but a lumbar puncture is often required to drain the excess spinal fluid. Patients who are suffering from PTC could experience symptoms including:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Vision Changes
• Ringing in Ears
• Walking Problems
• Neck Stiffness
• Forgetfulness
• Depression

Bianca was reportedly diagnosed with PTC on Oct. 22, 2011, after she went to her doctor complaining of headaches.

Not long after she was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri, Bianca underwent a lumbar puncture to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid on March 27, 2012. These Mirena IUD side effects eventually prompted Bianca to have the device removed in 2014.

Bianca has chosen to file legal action against Bayer HealthCare, accusing the company of failing to warn her and her physician of potential Mirena IUD side effects. At all times relevant, Bianca says she relied on the statements and information given by Bayer and had no way of knowing about potentially serious Mirena IUD side effects.

This Mirena IUD Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-04539-PAE-JLC, in the U.S. District Court of Southern New York.