Bayer HealthCare is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims from women alleging Mirena vision problems and other device complications. One of the most recent claims comes from a woman from Georgia, who alleges she developed Mirena vision problems soon after the long term contraceptive was implanted.

Plaintiff Heather B. opted to file this Mirena PTC (pseudotumor cerebri) lawsuit, after discovering the manufacturer either knew or should have known about potential Mirena vision problems and other device complications.

Like many other women, Heather decided to have the Mirena IUS (intrauterine system) implanted after reviewing marketing materials from Bayer and had discussed the option with her physician. The Mirena IUS is a small T-shaped device that is made of a flexible material, with two metal endpoints consisting of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel.

This device is directly implanted into the uterus and releases small daily doses of levonorgestrel to prevent sperm to egg fertilization. The Mirena IUS is meant to last up to five years and is designed for easy implantation, which Bayer focuses on in their marketing materials.

One of these advertisements is the “Patient Information Booklet” that Heather says she and her physician used to review and discuss the risks and benefits of the long term contraceptive.

Overview of Mirena Lawsuit

With these facts in mind, Heather had the Mirena IUS implanted on Feb. 17, 2014 without any initial complications. However, not long after the device was implanted Heather allegedly started experiencing Mirena vision problems, along with headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, ringing in ears, cramping, vomiting, and fever.

Heather eventually sought treatment for these symptoms on Oct. 26, 2016, complaining of Mirena vision problems like eye pain, photophobia, and blurry vision. Heather says she was diagnosed with papilledema, a condition in which pressure on the optic nerve increases, and was recommended an ophthalmologist.

Heather was eventually diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri on Nov. 16, 2016, after undergoing several diagnostic tests that showed elevated cerebrospinal fluid. Heather eventually had the Mirena IUD removed without complications on Jan. 18, 2017. She says she decided to file legal action after discovering that Mirena vision problems were heavily associated with pseudotumor cerebri.

This condition is caused by an overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid that collects after the body is unable to recycle the fluid through the body. Cerebrospinal fluid is the spongy fluid that protects the brain and spine from impact, and is constantly cycled throughout the body.

However, when the body is unable to keep up with the process, this often leads to swelling in the optic nerve and inner skull. Treatment options vary between patients, but oftentimes involves implanting a shunt to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid.

While there are a number of factors that can contribute to pseudotumor cerebri, it has been alleged that levonorgestrel may increase the chances of occurrence. This alleged association stems from the numerous injury reports from patients, who allege they developed Mirena vision problems and other brain tumor like symptoms soon after the contraceptive was implanted.

Even though Heather had followed all prescription instructions and physician advice, she still suffered serious device complications. Heather’s Mirena lawsuit in MDL No. 2767, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This Mirena Vision Problems Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-03192, in the U.S. District Court of Southern New York.