Bayer is facing a massive Essure lawsuit, filed collectively by 98 plaintiffs who allege they were harmed by the company’s permanent female sterilization device.

This massive Essure lawsuit claims that Bayer knowingly downplayed patients’ reports of Essure complications with the birth control implant.

Each of the plaintiffs in this massive Essure lawsuit allege they suffered personal injuries as a result of being prescribed and implanted with the Essure birth control coils.

According to the lawsuit, these Essure injuries include severe pain and cramping, blood clots, infection, pelvic pain, depression, unintended pregnancy, weight gain and extreme fatigue. That lawsuit also states some women have had to undergo hysterectomies due to Essure side effects.

The massive Essure lawsuit, filed in Illinois state court, also claims that Bayer failed to use reasonable care in warning about the alleged risks and dangers of the permanent birth control device.

Reports of Essure Complications

When Essure hit the market more than a decade ago, the permanent form of female birth control was considered a major innovation for women who didn’t want to have more children. However, serious side effects have prompted an FDA investigation.

Essure birth control is manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. It received FDA fast-track clearance in 2002, because it offered the first alternative to surgical sterilization and promised a quick recovery. It is the only non hormonal birth control option that doesn’t require a skin incision for women who want permanent birth control.

Soft flexible inserts are placed into the fallopian tubes, which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. After about three months, tissue forms around the inserts. The build-up of tissue creates a barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs, preventing conception.

A total of 943 reports of adverse events related to Essure complications were reported from its approval through Oct. 25, 2013.

Women who have been harmed by the Essure birth control device are urging the FDA to take it off the market and warn the public about its potentially serious side effects. Several have pursued Essure lawsuits, claiming the device seriously injured them.

In total, the FDA has received more than 4,000 reports of serious complications related to the device.

Essure Lawsuit Information

In response to Essure complications, thousands of women across the country have turned to social media to raise awareness of the controversy surrounding Essure.

For example, a Facebook community page called “Essure Problems” has more than nearly 5,000 likes and the “Essure Uncensored” page on Twitter has close to 1,500 followers.

Environmental activist and consumer rights advocate Erin Brockovich has also created a website to educate the public about the dangers of Essure.

Additionally, many women have opted to file an individual Essure lawsuit or like these 98 plaintiffs, join a collective action seeking compensation for their Essure injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured by Essure side effects, please contact an experienced Essure attorney today to learn more about your legal rights.

The Massive Essure Lawsuit is Case No. 16L1046 in the Circuit Court for the Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, Illinois.