Since at least 2008, medical professionals nationwide have warned that Mirena, a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) aimed at preventing pregnancy, is linked to serious health risks, including infection and organ perforation. In the years since, tens of thousands of women from across the United States have reported injuries and participated in multidistrict litigation to recover compensation for the damage these devices caused their bodies and their lives.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we have been handling these cases and helping women bring negligent companies to justice. If you believe you have been injured by a Mirena IUD, our Mirena birth control lawyers may be able to help. Get in touch today at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
What is Mirena and How Does it Work?
Mirena is a plastic device containing the female hormone levonorgestrel. The device is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone, preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. It works because levonorgestrel causes changes in cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach and result in pregnancy. Mirena is also used in women who have heavy menstrual bleeding and choose to use an intrauterine birth control.
The History of Mirena Lawsuits
Since it went on the market in 2000, Mirena has been touted as a safe, simple, and effective device for women of all ages who want to prevent pregnancy. The device immediately became popular because unlike other forms of birth control, it is implanted in the body. Women were drawn to the product for its convenience: there is no need to plan for intercourse or remember to take a birth control pill every day, and it can remain in place for years at a time. Additionally, in some cases it may reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping, and reduce any abnormal growth of the uterine lining.
Despite these conveniences, many women have experienced serious and painful side effects while using the product. This has resulted in thousands of lawsuits claiming that Bayer did not properly warn consumers of many additional dangers of the device. Other women claimed there were design flaws in the product that caused injury, but the company continued to sell the product despite its clear dangers.
Some of the most serious and common lawsuits were in response to injuries as serious as perforated organs (bladder, liver, kidneys, and other organs) due to the device migrating away from its initial implant site. Bleeding, ectopic pregnancies, cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and even a condition known as pseudotumor cerebri (a false brain tumor) have been reported by victims. Research is mixed on whether Mirena can cause some cancers.
Mirena injuries can be extremely painful, and may impact the lives of victims and their families for years or more. The highly experienced medical device attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates continue to fight for the rights of women who have experienced serious side effects after using the device.
If you have experienced any of these after using a Mirena hormonal IUD, it may be in your best interest to consult with a Mirena birth control attorney in Northern New Jersey to determine whether you have a case.
Additional Harmful Mirena IUD Side Effects
It isn’t only serious diseases that can result from using Mirena. The following side effects are also associated with this form of birth control:
- Severe cramps or pelvic pain
- Extreme dizziness, feeling like you might pass out
- Heavy or ongoing vaginal bleeding, vaginal sores, vaginal discharge that is watery, foul-smelling discharge, or otherwise unusual
- Severe pain in your side or lower stomach
- Pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding
- Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden or severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, sensitivity to light
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
These side effects may also be painful or serious, and even life-altering, resulting in illness and even death. If you experience any of the symptoms above while using Mirena, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
What Does a Mirena Lawsuit Cover?
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. by women who have been unfairly harmed by this product. If you file a lawsuit against Bayer, the manufacturer of Mirena, you may be eligible for a variety of forms of compensation that are common to personal injury cases, including compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Costs of medication
If you believe you have been harmed by Mirena, it is worth considering a free consultation with Buttafuoco & Associates. We can tell you more about your rights.
If you or someone you know suffered injury due to Mirena intrauterine device contact the experienced defective products attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
