Dangerous Birth Control Devices

Women use birth control devices as a way of controlling their own reproductive health. Most devices have proven to be safe and effective. However, some birth control devices are dangerous for consumers and can cause serious injury. If you’ve been injured by a dangerous birth control device, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Mirena

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that provides long-term birth control to users. It is a plastic T-shaped device that is inserted in the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus and fertilizing the egg. Mirena releases a controlled dose of the hormone levonorgestrel and provides up to 5 years of protection from pregnancy.

Mirena manufacturer Bayer failed to warn users of some serious side effects that can be caused by the use of the birth control device. Conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri can occur with use of the device. IIH occurs when there is increased blood pressure in the brain. The condition mimics the symptoms of a brain tumor. Symptoms include vision loss, migraine headaches, nausea, dizziness, and radiating pain to the arms. IIH can result in permanent vision problems and chronic migraines. The use of Mirena can also result in an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain. Consumers should have been made aware of these serious side effects prior to using Mirena, and Bayer had an obligation to inform users.

Essure

Essure is a permanent birth control device that can be inserted non-surgically. It is a medical coil placed into the fallopian tubes to encourage blockage. Essure was designed as an alternative to tubal ligation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed restrictions on the sale and marketing of Essure over safety concerns. In December of 2018, Bayer finally removed the device from the market.

Women received the Essure device without being adequately informed of the risks associated with the product. Use of the product presented risks of perforation or tearing of the uterine wall and fallopian tubes. It also could cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, back or joint pain, and muscle weakness. In some cases, surgery had to be performed to correct the injuries. Bayer had a duty to inform consumers of these serious side effects.

Contact a Product Liability Attorney 

If you’ve been injured by a dangerous birth control device, you should have an experienced product liability attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we’ve been helping New Yorkers injured by defective products for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.