Pennsylvania Woman Files Lawsuit Versus Bayer for Mirena Injuries

Pennsylvania Woman Files Lawsuit Versus Bayer for Mirena Injuries

By Amanda Antell 

Pennsylvania plaintiff Rebecca Lash is suing Bayer Pharmaceuticals for the injuries she sustained from using their Mirena IUS product. Lash alleges that she suffered from the development of abscesses and infection on one of the Fallopian tubes, forcing it to be removed.

The device was first implemented into the plaintiff on June 29, 2010 by the plaintiff’s physician with no complications to report from the procedure. However, in September 2011, the plaintiff began experiencing severe abdominal pain and cramping, with pressure on her lower left quadrant. After a medical examination, it was discovered that an abscess and infection developed in her left fallopian tube and ovary.

On September 24, 2011 the plaintiff underwent revision surgery to remove the Mirena IUS. On October 12, 2011, she had to go for an additional revision surgery to remove her left ovary and fallopian tube. At no point in time was she or her physician aware that the device could cause such severe infections, nor were there any indications on the device’s label. At no point in time also did Bayer notify the plaintiff of this possibility.

Lash states that Bayer had the civic duty to warn her and other women who use their device, because they are trusting the company’s word in regards to the safety of their products. So for being directly responsible for manufacturing, selling, distributing, and marketing a dangerous product, Lash is suing Bayer Pharmaceuticals for false advertising, misrepresenting a product, negligence, and concealing information.

Overview of Mirena IUS Complications

The Mirena IUS (intrauterine system), was first approved by the FDA in December 2000, and is used by more than two million in the U.S., and fifteen million users worldwide. It is manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and is one of the most popular contraceptive methods in the world. It is a t-shaped device which is directly inserted into the uterus, which it then directly releases a hormone at the endpoints of the device called, levonorgestrel, and thereby preventing pregnancy.

This device is meant to be used up to five years before the hormone runs out, making it a long-term birth control method. Many women have praised this feature of the device due to the fact that there was no need from them to follow a strict, regimented schedule like they would with oral contraceptives. However, even with the amount of praise the device receives from its patrons, the device has garnered mass criticism for the company for injury reports and aggressive, misleading advertising.

First and foremost, Bayer has repeatedly admitted that they are unsure of how the device actually works inside the patient, nor are they aware of the full consequences of levonorgestrel may have on the patient’s body. Furthermore, levonorgestrel is a fairly new in developed hormones, so there is not much scientific data available. However, it has been suspected the incidents such as Lash’s were caused by the hormone, as well as other side effects.

Currently, the Mirena IUS is the only intrauterine system available in the U.S., with its popularity remaining intact due to the convenience of it. So despite the evidence and injury reports associated with the device, the device still lacks the sufficient warnings to warn against the possible side effects its patients may suffer.
Mirena IUS Litigation Movement

This has led to multiple litigation movements against Bayer, including several multidistrict ligations (MDLs) and individual class-action lawsuits. At this time, Lash is seeking damages for pain and suffering, medical compensation, and other punitive charges.

This case is Rebecca Lash vs. Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Case 2:13-cv-01390-MRH, in the United States District Court of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Division.

File a Mirena Injury Lawsuit Today

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a Mirena IUS injury, you have legal options. Please visit the Mirena IUS Injury Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned Mirena IUS lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The IUS injury attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.