Bayer HealthCare is facing a new Essure complications lawsuit from a Louisiana woman alleging the permanent birth control productcaused her serious medical problems.

According to the Essure complications lawsuit, plaintiff Brittany D. had the Essure birth control device implanted on May 16, 2013, for typical treatment purposes and had no reason to be worried about any serious side effects. She later developed large blood clots and had to undergo abdominal surgery to have the permanent contraceptive removed.

Brittany is filing this Essure complications lawsuit against Bayer, alleging the company failed to warn her and other consumers against potential problems with their permanent contraceptive.

Overview of Essure Complications Lawsuit

Before getting the Essure birth control device implanted, Brittany says she discussed the decision with her physician and had reviewed the marketing materials provided by the company.

These marketing materials reportedly focused on the convenience of the alternative female sterilization option, while minimizing the potential complications. Brittany claims the product information in these materials left her unaware of the potential complications associated with Essure.

The Essure birth control system consists of two metal coils, each of which is directly implanted into a fallopian tube. The coils spur new growth of the surrounding tissue, which ultimately blocks sperm to egg fertilization.

This device was released in 2002, and was touted as a huge medical innovation as it provided an alternative method to hysterectomy. Currently, the Esssure birth control device is the only non-surgical female sterilization method in the country. For its short recovery time and non invasive implantation procedure, it has become highly preferred among women.

Since Essure’s release, the FDA has received over 4,500 injury reports regarding Essure complications. Even though the FDA updated its guidelines for prescribing the Essure birth control device in 2016, consumer advocates are still calling for it to be removed from the market.

The FDA states that the Essure birth control device remains an “appropriate” treatment option for women seeking sterilization, but that some women may be at risk for serious complications.

According to Brittany’s Essure complications lawsuit, Brittany started experiencing adverse effects not long after the device was implanted. The Essure complications lawsuits described a number of side effects including: heavy bleeding with large blood clots, severe abdominal cramping, pelvic pain, painful stomach bloating, leg pain, heavy menstruation cycles, severe itching, headaches, and fatigues.

Due to the severity of these problems, Brittany eventually underwent surgery to have the device removed on Oct. 20, 2016. Brittany opted to file the Essure complications lawsuit alleging Bayer either knew or should have known about the risk of side effects she experienced.

At all times relevant, Brittany says she used the Essure birth control device for its intended purpose and did not deviate from medical instructions or physician advice. In addition, Bayer did not notify her or her physician of potential Essure complications or device failure.

Brittany states she would not have opted for the permanent contraceptive if she had known about the potential Essure complications.

This Essure Complications Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-13639-NJB-DEK, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.