Mirena Side Effects
The Mirena IUD is a small, flexible medical device that is implanted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the birth control device in 2000. Today, it is used by more than 2 million women in the United States.
Although the Mirena IUD is widely used, it has been shown to have dangerous side effects, including perforation of the uterus, organ damage, internal bleeding and infertility. In some cases, these problems may require corrective surgery.
As a result, the FDA has issued two warning letters accusing Bayer of overstating the benefits of Mirena and downplaying its serious risks.
Mirena injury lawsuits currently are being filed across the country against Bayer. The injured women bringing these lawsuits are seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income and permanent injuries.
If you have had a bad experience with a Mirena IUD, you don’t have to suffer alone. The Driscoll Firm, LLC, is a proven leader in representing individuals and families injured by defective medical devices. We are presently accepting Mirena injury cases from women in all 50 states. Call 314-932-3232 or use our online form for a free, confidential evaluation about your case.
Mirena Injuries and Symptoms
Women who have filed Mirena injury lawsuits have sought compensation for injuries including:
- Abdominal pain
- Perforation of the uterus
- Perforation of the intestines
- Migration of the device from the implant site requiring removal surgery
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Abscesses
- Ovarian cysts
- Embedment in the uterus
- Infertility
- Peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane in the abdominal cavity)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Irregular bleeding.
Why Bayer HealthCare Should Pay for Mirena IUD Injuries
In its advertisements, Bayer has marketed Mirena as a hassle-free form of contraception that is ideal for active women and “Busy Moms.” The company claims Mirena is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five years. It also says the device can improve a woman’s sex life and help her “look and feel great.”
But the FDA has warned that these and other promotional claims are false, misleading and potentially harmful to Mirena users.
The FDA has found that at least 5 percent of women with Mirena IUDs experience decreased libido in clinical trials. Patients also complained of abdominal and pelvic pain, nausea, headache, nervousness and depressed mood – all of which could adversely affect a woman’s feelings relating to romance or intimacy.
In a pair of Warning Letters sent to Bayer in March 2009 and December 2009, the FDA accused the pharmaceutical giant of:
- Overstating the effectiveness of Mirena
- Downplaying the serious health risks of Mirena
- Sponsoring misleading links on internet search engines
- Failing to communicate proper risk information to women and their doctors.
The law requires advertisements for drugs and medical devices to be truthful and accurate. By failing to warn the public of possible dangers, Bayer has placed women across America at risk of harm.
Get a Free Consultation with a National Mirena Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one been injured after using a Mirena IUD? Help is available. Contact The Driscoll Firm, LLC, by calling us toll free or completing our contact form.
For more information:
- Mirena (hormonal IUD), Mayo Clinic
- Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), Safety Labeling Changes, July 2008, U.S. Food & Drug Association
- December 2009 Warning Letter, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- March 2009 Warning Letter, U.S. Food and Drug Administration