Mirena IUD Lawyer

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Mirena is a type of medical device approved by the FDA in 2000 that can be implanted in a women’s uterus to act as a form of birth control.

This device is known as a progestin intrauterine device (IUD) and is manufactured and distributed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Mirena is a small, T-shaped device that releases a hormone called levonorgesterel. It slowly releases hormones into the body over a five-year period.

This hormone works in several different ways. It can manipulate the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It can also alter the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of the egg if it is fertilized. Mirena implants can last up to five years, at which point they will need to be either removed or replaced.

Mirena has been heavily marketed towards teens, young moms, and busy women because of its “set it and forget it” mentality. It is estimated that 8.5% of women in the U.S. use an IUD.

If you have suffered adverse health effects from these devices, you should reach out to a Mirena IUD lawyer to discuss your rights to pursue compensation.

Which Companies Manufacture The Mirena IUD?

Bayer AG is a pharmaceutical and healthcare company headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer manufactures everything from over-the-counter and prescription drugs to pesticides and veterinary medications.

Among Mirena IUD contraceptives, Yaz and Yasmin birth control, as well as the blood thinner Xarelto is also one of Bayer’s top products.

FDA Warning

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned that Mirena users can experience these conditions when using Intrauterine contraception for up to 5 years.

The FDA suggests that if pregnancy occurs, there is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy including loss of fertility, pregnancy loss, septic abortion (including shock and death) and premature labor and delivery.

Perforation may occur and could reduce Mirena’s effectiveness. Risk is increased if inserted in lactating women and may be increased if inserted in women with fixed retroverted uteri and postpartum.

In December of 2015. The FDA Issued warnings about Mirena IUD regarding ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies can become a problem if the patient was not aware of this possible side effect. The FDA recommends evaluating women for ectopic pregnancy if they become pregnant with Mirena in place because the likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic is increased with Mirena. Up to half of the pregnancies that occur with Mirena in place are likely to be ectopic.

Mirena Recall Information

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not yet issued a recall for the Mirena IUD implant despite the fact that the device has been linked to serious medical complications.

In 2008, the FDA approved label changes to include many of the side-effects associated with this medical device.

Even though Mirena IUD has not yet been recalled, you can still pursue a lawsuit with the help of a lawyer if you or someone you care about has been harmed by the device. If you received a Mirena IUD implant and suffered severe medical complications that affected your quality of life, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Are Complications Of Mirena IUD?

Mirena IUD has been used by over 150 million people worldwide as a means of birth control. Although it has been highly effective at preventing pregnancies, there have been severe complications associated with the device.

Some of the complications that have been identified to be associated with Mirena IUD, and that should be discussed with your attorney, include:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Eye problems
  • Infertility
  • Internal bleeding
  • Migration
  • Papilledema
  • Pseudotumor cerebri
  • Uterine perforation
  • Visual disturbances

Additionally, it is possible for the device to dislodge from its intended location and move the uterus, embedding itself into other areas of the body such as the uterine wall or abdomen. This means the device leaves the uterus and floats around the cavity.

When the device migrates or is expelled from the body, it can cause numerous side effects including pain, fever, cramps, and scarring. Most seriously, it can result in organ or uterus perforation. The IUD is also believed to cause horrible pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, and other pelvic conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. There is also the belief in the medical community that Mirena may cause breast or cervical cancer. The only treatment is to remove the device via surgery, but this does not always relieve the victim of the many side effects.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding caused by the Mirena IUD is a dangerous side-effect of this device.

Several women have suffered internal bleeding when the Mirena IUD implant migrates from its intended location and damages other organs and tissue in the body.

There have been reports of damage to the uterus, abdominal cavity, pelvis, bladder, and blood vessels in several women. Damage to some of these areas can create additional medical problems, such as permanent infertility.

Additionally, severe pain and infection can occur in areas affected by the bleeding. Usually, surgery is required to correct this problem.

Perforation Of The Uterus

Uterine perforation is a serious complication associated with the Mirena IUD implant.

Although the device is developed to stay planted in a specific area, several studies have noted the possibility of the implant migrating to the pelvis region. This can lead to the device adhering to the uterine wall or ovarian walls. Severe pain and bleeding can accompany this type of complication.

Often, it is hard for doctors to locate the device once it has moved, and several surgeries may be required to remove it. Undergoing surgery to remove the device is usually successful, however it can lead to other complications such as permanent infertility.

Additionally, if migration to the uterine walls occurs, there is potential for the device to completely penetrate the uterus and make its way to other organs in the body.

Mirena Migration & Perforation

One of the more troublesome complications associated with Mirena is the risk of device migration. Migration occurs when the implanted device loosens from its intended location and moves freely to other locations inside the body. This, in turn, can cause the perforation of surrounding tissues and organs. Aside from being extremely painful, perforation can cause serious long-term effects and also increases the risk of infection to the area it has damaged. Uterine perforation in particular has been particularly dangerous because it can lead to infertility in some women.

There have been reports of Mirena devices found implanted in the uterine wall or ovaries. Additionally, devices have migrated and became lodged in the bladder, pelvic region, and even the abdominal cavity.

these are the most common signs that Migration, when the IUD has moved out of place, either further up your uterus causing perforation, or fallen out has occurred:

  • Difficulty feeling your strings – IUDs have strings attached to them so your doctor can easily remove them when it is time to do so. If you can no longer feel the strings or note that they are shorter than usual, your IUD may have moved.
  • IUD in the cervix – Since your IUD is supposed to be in your uterus, you should not be able to feel it. However, if it has slipped into your cervix, you may feel your IUD as it moves through and possibly out of it.
  • Unusual bleeding – Most women will spot irregularly for a few months after getting an IUD inserted, but if you have sudden, unexpected changes in your period it may be one of the signs your IUD has moved.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge – You should be concerned if your discharge has changed. If the texture, color or smell is off and has not been caused by an infection, and can be an indication that your IUD has been misplaced.
  • Painful sex – You should be concerned if all of sudden sexual intercourse hurts. This may be an indication your IUD has moved, although some women say that intercourse feels different with Mirena in place.
  • Abnormal and painful cramps – Quite a few women get cramps after an IUD has been inserted, but the discomfort should stop after a short while. If your cramps become more frequent, painful or intense, make an appointment right away.

Eye Problems

New findings have suggested a link between Mirena and a series of different eye problems which can lead to loss of vision, among other things.

Papilledema, a condition marked by swelling of the optic disc, is caused by increased pressure in the head. If this condition worsens, it can lead to temporary blind spots and other forms of vision loss.

A common belief among the medical community is that the hormone released by the Mirena device, called levonorgestrel, is responsible for these vision problems.

Another condition affecting eyesight in women is pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. PTC can occur when the pressure inside the head builds for no obvious reason.

Pseudotumor cerebri literally means “false brain tumor” hence the relation which other tumors. It is likely due to high pressure caused by the poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the space surrounding the brain.

The symptoms of PTC are very similar to those of a brain tumor, however, no brain tumor is actually present.

People may experience:

  • Visual: blurred vision, double vision, or partial loss of vision
  • Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting
  • Also common: headache, dizziness, or ringing in the ears

As the condition worsens, swelling of the optic nerve can cause some vision loss. There are some medications that can effectively treat PTC, but in some rare cases, surgery is required to relieve the pressure and subsequently correct the vision loss.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition in which the pressure inside the skull is increased. The brain is affected in a way that the condition appears to be, but is not, a tumor.

Many times, the symptoms of IIH are similar to that of a brain tumor; however, no tumor is actually present. As the condition worsens, optic nerve swelling can occur and vision loss can follow.

The condition is most common in women, especially in young obese women, 20 to 40 years old.

There are some medications that can reduce the pressure, however, sometimes surgery is necessary. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is commonly referred to as pseudotumor cerebri or benign intracranial hypertension.

Recent studies have suggested there may be a link between the Mirena IUD and IIH in some women. It is believed that the hormone released by the implant, levonorgestrel, may be the cause of the condition.

Currently, there is no information on the Mirena label warning of this condition.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a serious complication that has been linked to the Mirena IUD implant.

In normal pregnancy, the woman’s egg is fertilized by a sperm and then moves into the uterus to attach to the uterine lining and begin development. In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not move into the uterus and begins development in a region not suited for development. In these cases, the fertilized egg can remain in the fallopian tube, attach to an ovary, attach to another organ in the abdomen, or even implant itself in the cervix.

Unfortunately, this condition can be life-threatening to the woman. When doctors discover ectopic pregnancy has occurred, surgery is required to preserve the woman’s life. In most cases, the developing baby cannot survive, but the mother’s life can be saved.

Early ectopic pregnancy often feels like a normal pregnancy.  A woman with an ectopic pregnancy may experience common signs of early pregnancy, such as:

  • A missed menstrual period.
  • Tender breasts
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Increased urination.

However, as ectopic pregnancy progresses, other symptoms may develop, including:

  • Belly pain or pelvic pain that may get worse with movement or straining
  • Heavy or severe vaginal bleeding
  • Pain with intercourse or during a pelvic exam
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting caused by internal bleeding
  • Shoulder pain caused by bleeding into the abdomen under the diaphragm

If any of these symptoms match your experience, contact your health provider immediately.

If an ectopic pregnancy is located in the fallopian tube and goes unattended to, rupture of the fallopian tube can cause severe bleeding and cause the woman to faint. If your health provider is unavailable, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer is vital to ensuring that if able to develop, that breast cancer is detected early when it is most treatable. Although being self-aware of breast cancer symptoms is important, it is equally important to have regular mammograms and other screenings to ensure that breast cancer is caught earlier.

Symptoms are not always identifiable when breast cancer is in the early stages, however, the most likely symptom to discover is a lump or mass in the breast.  The mass or lump can be hard with irregular edges or tender, soft, and rounded. While a hard lump is more likely to be cancerous, the discovery of any lump warrants contacting a medical professional.

Other common symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • Swelling Of The Breast
  • Pain Or Tenderness In Breast
  • Change In Characteristics Of Breast
  • Nipple Retraction
  • Nipple Discharge
  • Skin Irritation
  • Change In Appearance Of Skin

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

The American Cancer Society states that in the early stages of cervical cancer, many women show no physical symptoms. However, there are several common symptoms that may develop with time, such as vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain.

  • Vaginal bleeding: This includes bleeding in between periods, after intercourse, or after menopausal bleeding.
  • Unusual vaginal discharge: Commonly a watery pink and foul-smelling discharge.
  • Pelvic pain: Pain during intercourse — or at other times — may be a sign of changes to the cervix or less serious conditions.

Advanced stage symptoms of cervical cancer include, but are not limited to:

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Leg pain or swelling
  • Leakage of urine or feces from the vagina
  • Bone fractures

Revision Surgery

When a device migrates inside the women’s body and pierces organs or tissue, surgery is often required. Doctors must locate the device and either re-position or remove it completely. If serious damage has been done due to perforation by Mirena, additional surgery may be required to correct the problem. Multiple surgeries can be extremely expensive and force the patient to miss extended periods of work, as well as endure emotional distress. These issues caused by Mirena were overlooked by their manufacturer, and legal action has been taken against them to recover compensation for affected families. If you have suffered any of the adverse effects mentioned above from a Mirena IUD, you should contact a lawyer for legal assistance.

File a Mirena IUD Lawsuit With a Skilled Attorney

Every state has multiple rules of procedure that govern how lawsuits may be initiated and proceed in its courts. The rule known as the statute of limitation governs when a case must be filed from the time of injury. In many states, the statute of limitations varies depending on the harm caused to the victim. The general idea behind these statutes is to ensure that a lawsuit is brought forth before evidence (physical or eyewitness) deteriorates or becomes unavailable. Such rules apply to both criminal and civil cases.

Michigan has enacted various statutes, which determine the time limits for filing a case but are based on the type of injury or harm suffered. If you are pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit, the statute of limitations is two years after the date of your injury or six months after the discovery of your injury (whichever is later). If it is a product liability action, meaning you sue a manufacturer for selling a defective or dangerous product, you have three years from when you first suffered harm from the product. If your injury is based on negligence, you also have three years. Finally, in the case of a patient dying from his or her injuries, Michigan allows for a wrongful death lawsuit to be pursued up to three years after the date of death.

Settlements for individuals who were harmed by Mirena have not yet been paid out and litigation is still ongoing. As more lawsuits continue to be filed by patients who were harmed by Mirena, the expected settlement amounts will also increase. It is important you contact an attorney as soon as possible if you believe a Mirena IUD has played a factor in your complications. The reason you must act quickly is that these lawsuits must be filed within a certain time frame, or the claim could be lost forever. To learn more, contact our Mirena IUD lawyers to discuss your unique case.

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    Sources and References
    1. Mirena (Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System) Drug Information – RxList 
    2. University of California, Berkeley – University Health Services.
    3. University of Michigan University Health Service. 
    4. Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy – Ectopic
    5. Ectopic Pregnancy – American Pregnancy Association
    6. Drug Safety Labeling Changes – FDA
    7. Side Effects of Mirena.
    8. Mirena and Eye Problems. 
    9. Ectopic Pregnancy – National Library of Medicine.
    10. Mirena Contraindications – RXList. 
    11. Breast Cancer Statistics – BreastCancer.org
    12. Breast Cancer Types – American Cancer Society
    13. Breast Cancer  Risk Factors – Mayo Clinic
    14. Breast Cancer Prevention – National Cancer Institute 
    15. Breast Cancer Symptoms – WebMD
    16. Breast Cancer Treatment – BreastCancer.org
    17. Cervical Cancer Stages – CancerCenter.com
    18. Cervical Cancer Statistics – American Cancer Society
    19. Cervical Cancer Risk Factors – CancerCenter.com
    20. Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer – American Cancer Society
    21. Survival Rates for Cervical Cancer by Stage – American Cancer Society
    22. Cervical Cancer Treatment – National Cancer Institute

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