Mirena IUD was introduced in 2000 as a hassle free form of birth control. The birth control comes in a small plastic T shape and is inserted into the woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years; it is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUD/ intrauterine device). Since its introduction, many problems have occurred. Over 70,000 adverse effect complaints have been filed with the FDA since 2000 and over 5000 of those cases since 2008 have concerned IUD migration.
The number of legal complaints filed concerning Mirena IUD birth control has now reached approximately 400. Suits across the country claim that Bayer, the maker of Mirena, is responsible for:
• Failing to provide warnings about the adverse effects of Mirena, including spontaneous migration that could occur at any time during its 5 year period of use (not only after insertion)
• Concealing the harmful side effects of the product.
• Engaging in deceptive advertisement.
• Knowingly producing and promoting a product that was well known as being defective.
• Claiming benefits falsely and deceptively.
In April, the United States Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) established consolidated proceedings in federal court; all Mirena IUD lawsuits filed in district court nationwide will now come before one judge for the purpose of coordinating pretrial proceedings. This consolidation is known as Multidistrict Ligation (MDL). U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel, from the Southern District of New York, is presiding over the Mirena MDL. When the Mirena multidistrict litigation was initially decided there were approximately 50 cases throughout the federal court system; that number has now grown to over 150.
Similarly, as of May 2013, cases concerning Mirena IUD have been centralized in New Jersey State Court (where Bayer’s U.S. headquarters are located). For all Mirena cases in 2013 the New Jersey Supreme Court has Multi County Legislation (MCL) and there are already over 200 cases centralized before Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Mirena uterine perforation is one of the most common and dangerous Mirena IUD side effects and can be especially harmful if the IUD is not removed as soon as possible. Mirena’s prescription information states that perforation or penetration of the uterine wall or cervix may occur during insertion, however, a uterine perforation may not be detected until even later. If a Mirena uterine preformation occurs, the device may no longer prevent pregnancy. Furthermore, the birth control device may move from the uterus, causing internal scarring, infection, and even damage to other organs.
The Mirena IUD must be located and removed if it perforates the uterus; this may require surgical removal. Delayed treatment of a Mirena uterine perforation can lead to serious complications such as migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses and erosion of adjacent tissue.
Symptoms of Mirena uterine perforation may include:
• Lower abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
Women at increased risk for Mirena uterine perforations include breastfeeding women, women who recently gave birth, or women with an inverted uterus. According to the Mirena prescription information, women who have recently given birth should not receive Mirena until 6 weeks post-partum. Furthermore, women using the device are urged to perform regular checks to make sure that the IUD’s threads are still in place. If threads are not visible, have moved or are broken, the IUD might have broken, perforated the uterus, or been expelled. See your doctor immediately if this occurs to determine whether the Mirena IUD has migrated or punctured the uterine wall.
If you have been experiencing side effects and are using the Mirena IUD, it is important that you contact your physician immediately. Ignoring the signs, like discomfort, abnormal bleeding, abdominal pain, or any other symptoms, can result in serious complications like uterine perforation, infection, damage to the liver, spleen or bladder and possible permanent infertility. If it is determined that you have experienced any adverse effects from the Mirena IUD, consult an experienced defective drug law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, recovery of medical expenses and lost wages and punitive damages. Do not hesitate; your health is at risk. Call a skilled attorney from the Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation. 727-451-9600.