Bayer HealthCare is facing a new pseudotumor cerebri Mirena lawsuit from a Pennsylvania woman alleging the long term contraceptive caused her to develop tumor-like symptoms.

The woman filed this pseudotumor cerebri Mirena lawsuitafter discovering the hormones attached to the contraceptive may have been linked to serious complications like pseudotumor cerebri.

Plaintiff Jessica B. reportedly opted for the Mirena IUD (intrauterine device) after reviewing the marketing materials provided by Bayer HealthCare.

She had the Mirena IUD implanted in September 2015 without any initial complications, and had no reason to suspect any serious continuing complications. Before and after the Mirena IUD was implanted, Jessica’s physician went over potential side effects listed in the Mirena patient brochure.

However, soon after having the device implanted, Jessica reportedly began experiencing very painful headaches and other tumor-like symptoms. According to her pseudotumor cerebri Mirena lawsuit, Jessica was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri on June 21, 2015.

Jessica opted to file the pseudotumor cerebri Mirena lawsuit after discovering Bayer HealthCare may have deliberately withheld information about this potential side effect.

Overview of Mirena Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IHH), is a condition often described and diagnosed by the tumor-like symptoms patients experience. This includes hearing a “whooshing” sound and experiencing severe migraines and double vision due to buildup of fluids inside the skull.

Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the level of cerebrospinal fluid is increased at a significant rate and the body cannot reabsorb it like it normally does. PTC is often diagnosed after a lumbar puncture is performed and a physician is allowed to evaluate the level of cerebrospinal fluid.

At this point in time, the medical community is not sure what the exact cause of pseudotumor cerebri is, but it has been linked to certain synthetic progestins like levonorgestrel. This hormone is released by the Mirena IUD and is the main factor in preventing pregnancy.

However, this hormone has been linked to a number of severe side effects resulting in numerous injury reports. When the Mirena IUD was approved for market in the mid 2000s, it was considered a viable option as a long-term contraceptive option for young women.

The Mirena IUD is a small T-shaped device which is directly implanted into the uterus and is meant to stay there for up to five years. This device works by releasing the hormone levonorgestrel in small amounts from the device’s endpoints which ultimately prevents pregnancy and helps regulate menstruation.

Even though this device has helped millions of women, it is recommended that the Mirena IUD is only implanted in women who have already had children. Levonorgestrel may induce an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid, which can potentially result in pseudotumor cerebri.

Jessica states that she never would have opted for the Mirena IUD if she had known pseudotumor cerebri was a potential side effect. In her pseudotumor cerebri Mirena lawsuit, Jessica is seeking compensation for all medical and physical damages.

This Pseudotumor Cerebri Mirena Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-04253 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.