Mirena IUD Side Effects

Mirena IUD Side Effects

By Anne Bucher

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of hormonal birth control that is produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. The device, which is implanted into a woman’s uterus and can be left in place for up to five years, releases a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel. More than two million women in the United States have used the Mirena IUD since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000. In 2009, the FDA approved the device to treat women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding.

IUDs are popular with women because they promise a long-lasting method of contraception without the hassle of birth control pills or condoms. However, some of them can produce adverse side effects that can have lasting consequences for women.

Mirena IUD Side Effects

Approximately 15 million women worldwide use the Mirena IUD. Mirena side effects include:

• Migraine headaches
• Depression
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Intrauterine pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian cysts
• Fetal injury
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Premature menopause

Many women have complained that the IUD migrates from the implantation site and into the abdominal cavity. In some situations, the device perforates the uterine wall, causing significant pain and health issues. Migration of the device puts women at risk of becoming pregnant and suffering complications such as intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. Migrating IUDs can cause significant damage to internal organs. In many cases, women who experienced migrating IUDs needed surgery to repair the damage caused by the device.

Lawsuits Pending

Previously, Bayer warned only of minor side effects that should dissipate within the first few months of use. They also warned that the Mirena IUD could migrate, but only if the uterus was perforated at the time of implantation. The FDA has repeatedly warned Bayer about its misleading marketing tactics. The company failed to disclose safety risks, instead claiming that the devices would help women “look and feel great.” The FDA has received more than 45,000 complaints regarding Mirena side effects.

Many Mirena users have filed lawsuits against Bayer for promoting the product without disclosing its dangerous side effects. So far, there have been at least 20 Mirena injury lawsuits filed against the company. The lawsuits allege that the device caused severe injuries, sexual difficulties and physical pain and suffering. The plaintiffs argue that Bayer engaged in misleading advertising campaigns, promoting the device as an excellent contraceptive option for “busy moms,” while failing to disclose the dangerous health risks that are associated with the device.

Take Action

If you have suffered injuries from using the Mirena IUD, visit our Mirena IUD Injury Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page to learn more about your legal rights. On this page, you can submit information about your Mirena side effects and receive a free case evaluation from an attorney. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses and the pain and suffering you experienced.