Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that a health care provider inserts into a woman’s uterus to provide long-term birth control. Although not perfect, Mirena is considered to be one of the most effective methods of birth control because one insertion can protect against pregnancy for up to five years with no risk of user error. Over 2 million American women currently use Mirena as their primary form of birth control.
Unfortunately, like almost any other drug or medical device, many women have reported side effects and complications with their Mirena IUD. Some side effects are less serious and common with many types of birth control, such as headaches, mood swings, acne, and irregular periods. However, some women have experienced more severe and sometimes dangerous complications.
Mirena Injuries
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks consumer complaints of side effects of drugs and medications to ensure that products are safe. Since Mirena came out on the market in 2001, the FDA has received an estimated 47,000 reports of injuries from users. The following are some of the serious injuries women have suffered as a result of Mirena:
- Perforation of the uterus: In some cases, the Mirena device can puncture the uterus, which can negate birth control, can complicate IUD removal, and may even require surgery.
- Migration of the IUD: There have been reports of the Mirena device actually passing through the uterus wall and migrating into other parts of the body.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Approximately 1% of women who use Mirena get pregnant. Pregnancy with Mirena can be dangerous because the risk is very high for an ectopic pregnancy, in which the embryo implants outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies usually result in miscarriage and can be very dangerous for the mother.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection that causing severe and usually permanent scarring on the reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility.
Mirena Legal Claims
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, the manufacturer of Mirena. The lawsuits allege various injuries, including migration and perforation of the IDU, and that Bayer failed to properly warn users of these possible complications. If you have suffered complications from using Mirena, you may also have a valid claim against Bayer and may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The attorneys at Lopez McHugh LLP know how to bring successful claims against large drug companies so that injured consumers may receive the compensation they deserve. If you have suffered injury from Mirena, call our office today at (877) 737-8525 to schedule a free consultation and discuss a possible case. You can also use our online contact form.
