Bayer HealthCare is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of product liability claims alleging the company failed to warn the public against the adverse side effects of Mirena IUD (intrauterine device).

One of the most recent claims comes from an Ohio woman, alleging the unexpected side effects of Mirena IUD compounded her medical condition and required several treatment procedures.

Plaintiff Sarah J. alleges the full extent of the side effects of Mirena IUD were not disclosed at the time she got the device implanted. She and her physician relied on the marketing materials provided by the company.

The Mierna IUD is an intrauterine, T-shaped device that is directly implanted inside the uterus. The two endpoints containing a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel. This device is supposed to provide a hassle free method of pregnancy prevention and is meant to last for up to five years.

Given the convenience of this device, Sarah and millions of other women have opted for the Mirena IUD but were allegedly unaware of potential device complications including pseudotumor cereberi (PTC). According to the Mirena IUD lawsuit, Sarah had the intrauterine device implanted in October 2012 and experienced no initial complications for five years.

However during this time, Sarah says she began experiencing severe headaches, blurry vision, pulsatile tinnitus and photophobia. Sarah was officially diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri in 2017, after experiencing intense headaches and intense pressure in her optic nerve beginning in June 2016.

Sarah says she underwent a lumbar puncture to reduce the optic nerve, which is often needed in cases of pseudotumor cerebri. Sarah had the Mirena IUD removed five years after implantation, but recently learned that PTC could be one of the side effects of Mirena IUD.

This prompted Sarah to file this Mirena IUD lawsuit, alleging Bayer had failed to warn her and the general public.

Overview of Mirena IUD PTC

The Mirena IUD has been on the market for over a decade and has become one of the most popular methods of contraceptives for women in the United States. Over two million women in the United States have been prescribed the Mirena IUD since its approval, but many have reported side effects of Mirena IUD.

One of these complications is pseudotumor cerebri, which has been described as symptomatically similar to a brain tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri is caused when cerebrospinal fluid builds up, increasing pressure behind the optic nerve in the eye. This can also cause severe headaches.

Cerebrospinal fluid is a colorless fluid that protects the spine and brain from damage, and is constantly recycled throughout the body on a continuous basis. When the body becomes unable to keep up with the cerebrospinal fluid cycling, the fluid builds up and causes tumor-like symptoms for the patients.

Patients who develop PTC often have to undergo a lumbar puncture to drain the excess spinal fluid to relieve the pressure in the skull and optic nerve. If not treated promptly, patients can suffer serious migraines, dizziness, nausea and certain physiological issues like depression.

Even though the side effects of Mirena IUD are serious risks to the patient population, Bayer allegedly failed to warn against them.

Sarah’s Mirena IUD lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2767, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. It is Case No. 1:18-cv-02001-UA, in the U.S. District Court of Southern New York.