Bayer HealthCare is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) from numerous women alleging Mirena pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). One of the most recent Mirena PTC lawsuits comes from an Iowa woman who alleges she developed Mirena pseudotumor cerebri soon after having the device implanted.

Plaintiff Haley H. had opted to file legal action against the pharmaceutical company after discovering many other patients had also allegedly developed Mirena pseudotumor cerebri. In addition, Haley claims she decided to use the Mirena IUD (intrauterine device) after reviewing the company’s Mirena brochure and other marketing materials.

The Mirena IUD is a small T-shaped device that is directly implanted into the uterus and is meant to prevent sperm to egg fertilization. The device works by releasing small daily doses of the synthetic progestin hormone levonorgestrel, which directly manipulates the woman’s reproductive cycle.

The Mirena IUD is meant to last up to five years. It quickly gained popularity as long-term, hassle-free birth control. However, there have been numerous complications linked to long-term use of this contraceptive, including Mirena pseudotumor cerebri.

Overview of Mirena Pseudotumor Cerebri

Haley states the company’s marketing materials discussed the benefits but allegedly failed to adequately describe potential side effects. Based on the information given to her and her physician, Haley decided to get the Mirena IUD implanted in July 2003.

Haley’s Mirena PTC lawsuit states there were no initial complications, and that there was no reason for her to be worried for potential Mirena pseudotumor cerebri. However not long after having the Mirena IUD implanted, Haley reportedly began experiencing: headaches, vision problems, ringing in ears, extreme pain and cramping, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy.

Haley alleges she was diagnosed with Mirena pseudotumor cerebri on June 1, 2005 after going to the doctor for headaches and eyesight problems. After undergoing an MRI, it was discovered there were numerous intracranial abnormalities including an optic disk edema.

Due to the intense pain Haley was under, she claims had to undergo a lumbar puncture to alleviate the intracranial pressure on June 17, 2005. Haley had the Mirena IUD removed in 2008, and now contends with permanent injuries allegedly caused by the device.

Haley filed the Mirena PTC lawsuit after discovering the alleged link between pseudotumor cerebri and the long-term birth control device. Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid levels rise to dangerous levels, outpacing the body’s ability to reabsorb it as it is produced.

Cerebrospinal fluid is the spongy material that protects the spine and brain and is continuously filtered throughout the body. However, when the body’s filtration process slows down or the cerebrospinal fluid speeds up, intracranial pressure builds up in the skull and can result in various side effects including painful headaches, migraines, eyesight damage, blurry vision, dizziness, and other symptoms associated with brain tumors.

While this condition can be treated, patients should consult their doctors as soon as possible to avoid any potentially permanent damages. Even though Mirena pseudotumor cerebri is a serious problem, Bayer HealthCare allegedly did not provide an adequate warning of this side effect on the device’s label.

Haley states that she would never have opted for the long-term contraceptive if she had known potential Mirena pseudotumor cerebri.

Haley is filing her Mirena PTC lawsuit in MDL No. 2767, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This Mirena PTC Lawsuit is Case No. 1:17-cv-06967, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.