Mirena IUD Linked to Numerous Adverse Side Effects

Several allegations have been cited in thousands of lawsuits against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals over complications with the Mirena intrauterine device.

The Mirena IUD is a form of contraception designed for implantation in the uterus by a physician. The device was intended to remain in place for up to five years, blocking pregnancy through a variety of mechanisms. However, Mirena IUD lawsuits have alleged that the device is dangerous and defective.

These lawsuits claim that the Mirena IUD’s very design was faulty because the design allegedly allows for spontaneous migration of the device. Spontaneous migration occurs when the device punctures the wall of the uterus, and moves around within the abdominal cavity. This can cause a host of further complications, and may require surgery have the device removed and repair the damage.

However, there are other complications connected to the device. Mirena patients claim that is also sometimes fail as a form of birth control, resulting in high risk pregnancies, like ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fetus develops outside of the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. Fallopian pregnancies are always fatal for the fetus, and can be fatal for the mother if untreated.

Other than fallopian pregnancy, other forms of ectopic pregnancy can be similarly dangerous. In some cases, the fertilized egg may migrate through the abdominal cavity and attach to vital organs, like the liver or bladder. The developing placenta invades such organs, often causing death. In recorded medical history, there have been roughly a dozen cases of ectopic pregnancy that survived to term.

Other reported complications include damage to the patient’s reproductive system. This includes adhesions, cysts and scarring to the reproductive organs. This can lead to premature menopause and infertility.

Problems with the Mirena IUD are further complicated by the fact that the birth control device includes no radiopaque components. This means that X-rays pass right through the device, so it does not show up in X-rays. This can complicate physicians’ efforts to locate the device in the event of migration. Additionally, many of the alleged complications can require lifelong monitoring.

A multidistrict litigation or MDL has been filed against the manufacturers of Mirena. An MDL is a situation where a group of lawsuits are consolidated into a single organized lawsuit, similar to a class action suit. Group lawsuits like MDLs and class action suits are designed to save the legal system, and all parties involved, resources like time and money.

If you or a loved one had a Mirena IUD inserted after January 1, 2000 or later and had to have surgery – or will be required to have surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. You can start to explore your legal options by visiting the Birth Control Lawsuits: Mirena IUD Injury Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. There, you can enter information about your situation for a free legal review by a trained expert with a background in this type of litigation.