A panel of federal judges just consolidated federally filed Mirena IUD lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation that has been transferred to U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, despite objections by Mirena manufacturer, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical. Scores of Mirena lawsuits have been filed in a variety of federal courts nationwide.

The Motion for Transfer, filed in January with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), included plaintiff assertions that hundreds of similar cases will likely be brought by other women who allege significant Mirena IUD complications associated with the device spontaneously migrating. Plaintiffs also allege that Bayer neglected to revise Mirena’s labeling to reflect the mounting complaints over Mirena migration and related uterine perforation injuries.

With the exception of one pending complaint, the JPML’s Notice indicates that all currently pending and future federally filed Mirena lawsuits will be included in the multidistrict litigation. The exception involves a complaint alleging the Mirena IUD caused autoimmune disorders. Also, transferred cases include two Mirena lawsuits that are much further along in the discovery phase.

Mounting Mirena Lawsuits Allege Serious Complications

Approved as contraceptive device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, the Mirena IUD is a t-shaped, plastic device meant to prevent pregnancy for up to five years by releasing the hormone levonorgestrel. The device is inserted into the uterus and removed by a health care professional. In 2009, Mirena’s approved uses were broadened to include treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who use an IUD as their method of birth control.

Also in 2009, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer after discovering that Mirena promotional materials overstated the device’s efficacy while downplaying its risks. Plaintiffs filing lawsuits note the 2009 FDA warning letter and allege that Bayer has long overstated Mirena’s benefits while minimizing its risks for serious complications.

Many women allege they have suffered significant side effects following implantation with a Mirena IUD. Purported Mirena complications include the device perforating the uterine wall, traveling outside of the uterus, damaging area organs, and causing infection. Any of these complications requires that the Mirena IUD be removed, which generally calls for emergency Mirena removal surgery. Complications from Mirena migration and surgery to remove a Mirena IUD that has become embedded in a woman’s body may carry serious risks and may lead to permanent injury and include:

• Abscess, infection
• Tissue erosion
• Infertility
• Peritonitis
• Intestinal perforations or obstruction
• Uterine perforation
• Embedment in the uterine wall
• Ectopic pregnancy

Claims involving Mirena have been filed in several state courts, as well. Bayer filed a motion to centralize all Mirena lawsuits in 2012 under one judge in Middlesex County Superior Court. The request stated that 16 claims were pending in the state. The New Jersey Supreme Court denied the request in January. Last month, the plaintiffs filed a new request with the New Jersey Supreme Court asking it to reconsider the denial, noting that some 47 Mirena lawsuits were now pending in New Jersey.

Have You Been Harmed by Mirena? Contact an Attorney Today

Women injured by Mirena following spontaneous migration of the device may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. If you experienced Mirena complications and are considering filing a Mirena IUD lawsuit, Bernstein Liebhard LLP can explain your legal rights and options. An attorney who understands the sensitive nature of Mirena complications will evaluate your case free of charge. To receive a free evaluation of your potential Mirena IUD lawsuit, please contact Bernstein Liebhard LLP today at 1-888-364-6688.

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Mirena IUD lawsuits could be headed to Ohio federal court, after plaintiffs filed a petition to have the claims consolidated in a multidistrict litigation and transferred to a single judge in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio.  In a January 16th petition filed with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), plaintiffs assert that consolidation of all pending and future federally-filed Mirena lawsuits will streamline the process, preserve the resources of the court, and avoid inconsistent ruling across similar actions.

The petition for the Mirena lawsuit consolidation was filed one week after the New Jersey Supreme Court rejected a request filed by plaintiffs to have 16 similar actions filed in that state consolidated before one judge in Middlesex County Superior Court.

Mirena Complications

At the time the petition was filed with the JPML, there were eight Mirena IUD lawsuits pending in several federal jurisdictions.  Mirena is currently used by some 2 million women, and plaintiffs predict that the number of claims will grow. All of the pending lawsuits allege the Mirena IUD can cause serious injuries when it spontaneously migrates from its proper location in the uterus, including:

• Abscesses
• Infertility
• Infection
• Embedment in the uterine wall
• Uterine perforations
• Intestinal perforations or obstruction
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Ectopic Pregnancy

Mirena was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 as a contraceptive, and is now also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who wish to use an IUD as their primary method of birth control.  Mirena lawsuits allege the maker of the device, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, has a history of overstating the efficiency of the IUD and downplaying the potential for serious Mirena complications.  In fact, Bayer was taken to task by the FDA for doing so in a 2009 warning letter.

Considering a Mirena Lawsuit?   Call an Attorney Today.

Victims of Mirena complications may be eligible to receive compensation for their lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is currently offering free and confidential evaluations for potential Mirena IUD lawsuits. For answers to any of your Mirena legal questions, please contact the firm today by calling (888) 364-6688 or submitting the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.

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A plaintiff in a South Carolina Mirena IUD lawsuit is fighting back against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals’ attempt to have the case dismissed.  The claim, one of the first Mirena lawsuits to be filed in the nation, alleges the plaintiff was never adequately warned that spontaneous migration following insertion of the device was a possible Mirena complication.

Bayer is trying to have the lawsuit dismissed under South Carolina’s “learned intermediary doctrine,” and claims the patient’s doctor was aware of the risk of spontaneous Mirena migration.  The learned intermediary doctrine requires the plaintiff to prove Bayer’s warning to her physician was inadequate and that a different warning would have deterred the doctor from prescribing Mirena.

Mirena IUD Lawsuit Claims

Among other things, Bayer asserted in its motion that because her doctor testified that the risk of IUD migration and perforation was known to her for 20 years, the plaintiff is unable to prove that Bayer’s failure to warn was a proximate cause of the alleged injuries.   The plaintiff counters in a brief filed on January 10^th that the company’s assertion makes no sense, as the warnings that accompany the Mirena IUD include a caution against perforation at the time the device is inserted.  But the plaintiff alleges she sustained her injuries as a result of Mirena migration that occurred well after insertion – something Bayer has claimed is impossible.

“Plaintiffs note that it is quite impossible for Bayer to argue on the one hand that spontaneous migration not associated with insertion of Mirena is ‘biologically implausible,’ and on the other hand argue that Bayer’s duty to warn of said event was satisfied,” the brief argues.

Among other things, the brief notes that the doctor’s previous experience had only encompassed copper IUDS, so she was not independently aware of the risk that Mirena could spontaneously migrate.

Mirena Side Effects

A growing number of Mirena lawsuits allege that spontaneous migration of the device caused women to suffer serious injuries, including:

• Abscesses and infections
• Tissue erosion
• Fertility problems
• Peritonitis
• Perforations or obstruction of the intestines
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Perforation of the uterus
• Uterine wall embedment
• Ectopic pregnancy

In January, plaintiffs with Mirena lawsuits pending in federal court petitioned the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to transfer all claims to Ohio federal court for pre-trial proceedings.  The petition was filed just a week after the New Jersey Supreme Court rejected a request to have all Mirena IUD lawsuits filed in that state consolidated in a single proceeding in Middlesex County Superior Court.

Injured by Mirena?  Speak with an Attorney Today.

If you were injured by Mirena, it’s important to see your doctor and keep track of all of your medical appointments and related expenses, including any time you missed work because of your injury.  This information will be important should you decide to file your own Mirena lawsuit.  The attorneys of Bernstein Liebhard LLP are available to answer all of your questions and evaluate your case for free.  To learn more about filing your own Mirena IUD lawsuit, please contact our firm today, by calling 1-888-364-6688.

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The New Jersey Supreme Court recently decided not to consolidate Mirena lawsuits into a multicounty litigation, after reviewing comments in the wake of defendant Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s August 2012 request. A designation as a multicounty litigation would have gathered all pending and future Mirena claims in New Jersey before a single judge, which Bayer argued would help conserve judicial resources. However, the court denied the request in a January 8, 2013 ruling.

Mirena lawsuits were filed by women who suffered serious Mirena injuries because of the contraceptive device. The Mirena IUD is a small, plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor and is supposed to be effective for up to five years. But the device can migrate from its original placement, causing serious problems such as uterine perforations, fertility problems and ectopic pregnancies. If the Mirena IUD migrates, a doctor must locate and surgically remove the device.

Mirena Lawsuits Filed by Women Who Suffered Complications

According to a recent AdverseEvents.com report, there have been more than 45,000 incidences of Mirena IUD complications submitted by women who suffered issues such as:

• Abscesses
• Embedment in the uterine wall
• Uterine perforations
• Infertility
• Infection
• Intestinal perforations or obstruction
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Ectopic Pregnancy

Despite its risks, the Mirena IUD is growing in popularity. More than two million women in the U.S. currently use the Mirena IUD, and may be at risk for serious injuries and even permanent damage to fertility. Mirena lawsuits allege that Bayer designed a defective product and failed to warn women about its potential risks. Women filing lawsuits seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, and more.

How To File a Mirena IUD Side Effects Lawsuit

If you suffered Mirena IUD injuries as a result of the contraceptive device, consider filing a Mirena lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Don’t delay speak with a Mirena IUD lawyer at Bernstein Liebhard LLP today to learn about your legal rights and options. Call (888) 364-6688 or fill out the case evaluation form on this page for a free and confidential case review.

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Some women who have chosen the Mirena IUD as their first-line choice of birth control do so with an evangelistic fervor, according to a recent article on NYMag.com. Oddly though, the editorial does not mention any of the women who have filed Mirena lawsuits after allegedly experiencing IUD migration, uterine perforations and other side effects suggested to be caused by the device.

IUD Evangelism and Mirena

IUDs like Mirena are now being used by 10 percent of women who use birth control, which represents a sharp increase over the past ten years, the article stated. The article touts IUDs as “the birth control that converts.”

The opening paragraph states: “You can’t tell a woman’s method of birth control by looking at her, but you’ll know if she’s using an IUD, or intrauterine device, because she won’t be able to shut up about it. My friends who have IUDs, not known to recommend so much as a hairdresser, extol the virtues of the device with the unsolicited but contagious conviction of the Avon lady. The difference is they’re not making a commission.”

The author then references several conversations she has had with women who praised the IUD with enthusiasm. “Women who have IUDs seem eager to defend them and argue in favor of switching to them,” said one of the interviewees. In her unscientific survey, the author estimates that a vocal IUD enthusiast can convert two women a year to use Mirena or another IUD as their form of birth control. The growing popularity of Mirena and other IUDs may receive credit for this phenomenon.

Mirena Lawsuits

However, what this article fails to mention is the mounting number of Mirena IUD lawsuits that are being filed by women across the U.S. who claim to have suffered injuries that endangered their fertility, and possibly, even their lives. Back in August, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Mirena, said there were at least 16 Mirena lawsuits pending in New Jersey Superior Courts. What’s more, Bayer may be expecting many more lawsuits to be filed, as the company recently petitioned the New Jersey Supreme Court to centralize all Mirena proceedings in Middlesex County.

Several of the Mirena IUD lawsuits against Bayer allege the manufacturer downplayed the drug’s potential to cause serious side effects, which include IUD migration that can occur longer after the device is implanted.

If that happens, Mirena users may suffer this long list of potential complications stemming from the IUD if it is not located and removed immediately:

• Infertility
• Abscesses
• Erosion of nearby tissue
• Intestinal perforations or obstruction
• Inflammation of the membrane that  the abdominal cavity and internal organs (Peritonitis)
• Uterine perforation
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Embedment in the uterine wall
• Ectopic pregnancy

Mirena lawsuits also point out that Bayer received a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter in 2009 for overstating the efficacy of Mirena and minimizing its potential side effects in a marketing program for the IUD.  The NYMag.com fails to mention that incident as well.

While many women who use Mirena undoubtedly love the device for its convenience and have been fortunate to not experience any side effects with their IUD, it is imperative that women considering Mirena understand the risks they could face. Information about these risks is unfortunately nowhere to be found in the one-sided view depicted in the NYMag.com article.

Considering a Mirena IUD Lawsuit? Contact Us Today.

If you were injured by Mirena, contact your doctor immediately for treatment. Should you decide to pursue a Mirena IUD lawsuit, it is imperative that you also keep track of any medical appointments and times absent from work you incurred as a result of your injury. You should also ask for copies of your medical records. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is offering free and confidential legal consultations to Mirena victims. Contact one of our attorneys today to learn more about your legal options by submitting the free case evaluation form on this page or calling 1-888-364-6688.

The post New York Magazine Article Fails to Mention Mounting Mirena Lawsuits, Touts “IUD Evangelism” appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

The Mirena IUD infographic titled “What woman should know about the Mirena IUD” was designed to present relevant facts and statistics about various Mirena problems in a visually compelling and easy to understand manner.

For a full-size view of the Mirena infographic please click on the image below. Depending on the size of your screen you may have to click on the image again to maximize the image size.

MIrena IUD Infographic

Share The Mirena IUD Infographic On Your Site

We believe our Mirena infographic will provide woman suffering from Mirena Side Effects with some of the information they need to make informed decisions .  Therefore, we invite and encourage others to freely share our infographic online. To embed the infographic on your website or blog just copy and paste the HTML code below onto your site.

The post Bernstein Liebhard Releases Mirena IUD Infographic appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

A woman in Missouri who suffered a uterine perforation has filed a Mirena IUD lawsuit accusing Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals of knowingly downplaying the serious side effects associated with the birth control device.  The complaint, which was filed on November 30, 2012, is one of more than a dozen similar Mirena lawsuits filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Morris County.  In August, Bayer filed a petition with the New Jersey Supreme Court seeking the establishment of a consolidated Mirena litigation in Middlesex County Superior Court.

Mirena Side Effects

Mirena, which was launched in the U.S. by Bayer in 2000, promises young women a hassle-free method of contraception.  The small, flexible plastic device is placed into the uterus by a healthcare professional, where it may remain for as long as five years.  It then releases a low dose of the hormone levonorgestrel.

Since its introduction to the market, there have been reports of the Mirena IUD spontaneously migrating from its proper location, causing uterine perforations and other problems, including infections, scarring and adhesions, abscesses, and damage to other organs.  Once Mirena has migrated, it will no longer be an effective method of birth control.    At that point, a woman is more likely to develop a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy if the Mirena IUD is not removed from her body as quickly as possible.

In 2009, federal health regulators warned Bayer for downplaying potential risks during scripted talks given at “Mirena Parties” designed to promote the IUD. According to data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Mirena has been named in more than 45,000 adverse event reports since it came to market.  Through June 30, 2012, the most cited Mirena side effects included device expulsion, device dislocation and vaginal hemorrhage.

Mirena Lawsuit Allegations

According to this latest Mirena IUD lawsuit, the plaintiff had the device implanted in 2009.  She appeared to be doing well until 2010, when an emergency room ultrasound revealed that the Mirena IUD had moved and perforated her uterus.  She was forced to undergo laparoscopic surgery to retrieve it.  Her lawsuit alleges that because of Mirena, the plaintiff has suffered severe and permanent physical injuries, substantial pain and suffering, and economic loss due to medical expenses and lost wages.

At least 16 other women have made similar claims in Mirena lawsuits filed in Morris County, New Jersey.  According to Bayer, additional complaints are pending in various other state courts.   Mirena has been used by at least 2 million women, and its popularity is growing.  In light of these facts, many legal experts believe far more Mirena claims will be filed in the near future.

Free Mirena IUD Lawsuit Evaluations

If you were injured by Mirena, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional distress.  Be sure to keep records of all of your medical appointments and expenses related to your injury, as these will be vital should you decide to file your own Mirena IUD lawsuit.  To learn more about the legal avenues available to Mirena victims, please submit the Free Case Evaluation form on this page or call the attorneys at Bernstein Liebhard LLP today, at 1-888-364-6688, for your free, no obligation legal evaluation.

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“Mirena” has become one of the most popular search terms on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website, just as more women are filing Mirena IUD lawsuits alleging injury as a result of the contraceptive device. It’s likely that the popularity of the IUD on the FDA site is a reflection, in part, of growing concerns surrounding potential Mirena complications, like uterine perforation and spontaneous device migration.  According to a recent report from AdverseEvents.com, well over 45,000 adverse event reports naming Mirena have been made to the FDA since the device first came on the market in 2000.

Mirena Among Top 20 FDA Website Searches

The Mirena IUD has been used by more than 2 million women, either as a contraceptive, and/or as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.  Many experts believe the popularity of Mirena will grow, now that the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to provide contraceptive coverage.  What’s more, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently recommended Mirena as a first-line method of birth control for teenagers and young women. 

Mirena was the 17^th most-searched-for-term on the FDA website from August 2012 through October 2012, according to the agency.    Metformin (a diabetes drug) and acetaminophen were the only two actual medical products that outranked it.   Much of this could be due to the growing popularity of the device.   However, Mirena IUD lawsuits also made news in August, when Bayer petitioned the New Jersey Supreme Court to establish a consolidated litigation for all Mirena lawsuits pending in the state in Superior Court in Middlesex County.

Mirena IUD Lawsuit Allegations

Lawsuits filed by a growing number of women allege Bayer downplayed the risks of serious Mirena complications, including uterine perforations, uterine ruptures, and spontaneous device migration that occurs months or years after implantation of the device.  These Mirena complications can cause additional problems for the women who experience them, including:

• Abscesses
• Tissue erosion
• Infertility
• Infection
• Perforation or obstruction of intestines or other organs
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Embedment in the uterine wall
• Ectopic pregnancy

While only 16 Mirena lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey as of August, many experts believe Bayer is expecting more filings.  That would explain the company’s decision to seek the consolidation of the Mirena litigation in a single court.

The post Mirena IUD Lawsuits on the Rise, Along with Mirena Searches on FDA Website appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

A recently released opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends more long-term birth control methods for women, including the Mirena IUD. But the report makes little mention of the alarming Mirena IUD complications that can arise from use of the device, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, infection and uterine perforations. The Mirena IUD can migrate out of the uterus, requiring a doctor to locate and surgically remove the device.

The ACOG opinion, released in early October, only includes the benefits of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, including intrauterine and contraceptive implant devices. “”The LARC methods are top-tier contraceptives based in effectiveness, with pregnancy rates of less than 1 [percent] per year for perfect use and typical use,” the opinion stated. “These contraceptives have the highest rates of satisfaction and continuation of all reversible contraceptives.”

Long-term birth control use is also growing in popularity. Only 2.4 percent of women used an IUD as contraception in 2002. Today, the number is 8.5 percent. In a Western Pennsylvania Planned Parenthood, 760 women are using IUD devices, when ten years ago there were only three.

Mirena Side Effects

The Mirena IUD is a t-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus and prevents pregnancy by releasing a low dose of a hormone. It can stay in place up to five years, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has a 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. That is—if the Mirena IUD stays in place.

One alarming Mirena IUD side effect is the possibility of migration from its original placement, which can cause uterine perforations and infections that can affect fertility. If a Mirena IUD migrates, it will no longer prevent pregnancy. It can cause ectopic pregnancy, which is a dangerous pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tube. A doctor has to locate and surgically remove a migrated Mirena IUD, and if the device caused additional complications, further surgical intervention may be necessary.

Filing a Mirena Lawsuit

If you received a Mirena IUD and experienced problems such as uterine perforations, bleeding, inflammation, and ectopic pregnancy, consider filing a Mirena lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. The lawsuits allege that Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the device’s manufacturer, failed to warn women about potential Mirena side effects. Over a dozen Mirena lawsuits are currently underway in New Jersey Superior Courts. For more information, call 1-888-364-6688 or fill out the free case evaluation form on this page.

The post Experts Recommend Mirena IUD despite Mounting Mirena Lawsuits appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

Over the last 15 years, there have been more than 45,000 adverse event reports filed over the Mirena IUD by women implanted with the birth control device, according to AdverseEvents.com. Given that statistic, it may not come as a surprise that Mirena lawsuits have since started to follow, and are expected to rise in the future.

Women who have filed Mirena lawsuits against its manufacturer, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, claim the t-shaped device migrated away from their uteruses, causing them to develop abscesses, infection, uterine perforations, intestinal perforations and other unpleasant side effects as a result. Some women even claim Mirena permanently harmed their fertility. Others who became pregnant after Mirena migrated allegedly experienced ectopic pregnancies.

Mirena FDA Warning Letter

In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) caught wind of the potential for these side effects to develop and sent a letter to Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, scolding them for downplaying the risks associated with the contraceptive device, and exaggerating its efficiency.

Mirena was approved by the agency in 2000 to prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women.

Despite these visible warning signs, some medical professionals are continuing to recommend that women of all ages use Mirena. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently touted it as a first-line form of birth control, and suggested that doctors prescribe it to young women and teenagers as a more reliable alternative to birth control pills. This bit of advice is particularly surprising given the fact that on Mirena’s website, the company says that only women who have already had at least one child consider the device.

Mirena Lawsuits Moving Forward

Meanwhile, Mirena lawsuits continue to mount in the U.S. Last August, Bayer petitioned the New Jersey Supreme Court to consolidate all pending cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), to be reviewed in Superior Court, Middlesex County, NJ. At the time, the company said there were at least 16 Mirena lawsuits pending in New Jersey. Only time will tell just how many more plaintiffs will file Mirena lawsuits.

The post Mirena Lawsuits Likely to Rise as Adverse Event Reports Filed Over the Birth Control Device Top 45,000 appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

Mirena ectopic pregnancy is a potential complication all users of this IUD should be aware of. Generally, the Mirena IUD is very effective at preventing pregnancy.  But like any birth control method, Mirena can fail.  About half of the pregnancies that occur among Mirena IUD users are ectopic pregnancies, which occur outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. If the Mirena IUD migrates from its original location, it will no longer prevent pregnancy, making it more likely a Mirena ectopic pregnancy will occur.

Mirena Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

A Mirena ectopic pregnancy cannot survive, and poses a threat to a woman’s fertility, as well as her life.  All ectopic pregnancies will eventually cause bleeding and rupture if they are allowed to continue.  Because they are so dangerous, IUD users need to be able to recognize possible symptoms of a Mirena ectopic pregnancy, including:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Pelvic or abdominal pain, usually 6 to 8 weeks after a missed period.
• Pregnancy symptoms, including missed period, nausea, breast tenderness.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Signs of shock.
• Shoulder Pain resulting from internal bleeding into the abdomen under the diaphragm.

A Mirena ectopic pregnancy can be terminated via a drug called methotrexate when no bleeding has occurred, avoiding the need for surgery.   However, if the woman is bleeding, or she is exhibiting severe symptoms or high hCG levels, it’s likely surgery will be needed. When a Mirena ectopic pregnancy has ruptured, emergency surgery must be performed to save the woman’s life.

Mirena IUD Lawsuits

Mirena ectopic pregnancies are among several serious side effects that users of this IUD may experience.  According to a number of Mirena IUD lawsuits filed in courts throughout the country, other potential complications include uterine perforation/uterine rupture and spontaneous migration of the device.  At least 16 lawsuits currently pending in New Jersey Superior Court allege Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Mirena, concealed its serious risks and failed to provide users with adequate warnings about Mirena side effects.  Bayer recently requested that those and other Mirena lawsuits filed in New Jersey be consolidated before one Judge in Middlesex County.

Women who suffered Mirena injuries, including uterine perforations or a Mirena ectopic pregnancy, may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.  To learn more about Mirena IUD lawsuits,  please submit the free consultation form on this page or contact the attorneys at Bernstein Liebhard LLP by calling 1-888-364-6688.

The post What You Need to Know About Mirena Ectopic Pregnancy appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

An Ohio woman who allegedly suffered a Mirena uterine perforation has filed a lawsuit against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals.  The complaint is believed to be the first Mirena IUD lawsuit in Ohio, and joins others around the country that claim the birth control device caused women to suffer uterine perforations and other serious complications.

The plaintiff, who filed her complaint on November 2, 2012 in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, alleges Bayer failed to provide doctors and patients with adequate warnings for Mirena uterine perforations and other injuries.   Her injury occurred after her Mirena IUD migrated from its proper location.  Once it perforated her uterus, the IUD lodged in the omentum, near her liver.

Mirena uterine perforations, which can occur shortly after the device is placed in the uterus, are generally the result of the IUD migrating from its original location.   In such cases, it may even travel outside of the uterus into the abdomen. When this occurs, a woman is at risk for infection and scarring, intestinal obstructions, and organ damage. If the Mirena IUD moves from its original placement, pregnancy can occur.  Women who become pregnant while Mirena is still in their body have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Possible Complications Associated with the Mirena IUD

The Mirena IUD has been on the market since 2000.  It was first approved as a birth control method, and later as a treatment for heavy periods in women who wish to use an IUD for birth control. According to the FDA, possible Mirena complications include:

• ectopic pregnancy
• group A streptococcal sepsis
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• embedment of the device in the uterine wall
• uterine perforation
• perforation of the cervix.

Nine years after it came on the market, the FDA warned Bayer that one of its promotional programs for the device “overstates the efficacy of Mirena, presents unsubstantiated claims, minimizes the risks of using Mirena, and includes false or misleading presentations regarding Mirena.” Among other things, the FDA took issue with Bayer’s claims that using Mirena would help a woman “look and feel great.”

Mirena IUD Lawsuits on the Rise

A growing number of women who allegedly suffered serious injuries, including Mirena uterine perforations, have filed similar lawsuits in courts throughout the U.S.   In the New Jersey Superior Court, at least 16 such complaints had been filed as of August 2012.  That month, Bayer filed a request with the New Jersey Supreme Court seeking to have all of the Mirena IUD lawsuits consolidated before a single judge in Middlesex County.   Bayer’s actions have some experts speculating that the company is expecting a large litigation.

If you suffered a Mirena uterine perforation or another serious Mirena complication, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.  To learn more about Mirena IUD lawsuits, please contact the attorneys at Bernstein Liebhard LLP today by completing the case evaluation form on this page or calling 1-888-364-6688.

The post Alleged Mirena Uterine Perforation Prompts Ohio Lawsuit appeared first on Mirena IUD Lawsuit Information | Free Mirena Lawsuit Consultations.

More and more young women who want a reliable, not to mention convenient, form of birth control are turning to the Mirena IUD, according to a new report from USA Today.  Unfortunately, many of these women may be unaware of the risks posed by Mirena side effects, or the fact that the IUD is the subject of a growing number of personal injury lawsuits.

Just 10 years ago, the Mirena IUD and other so-called long-acting forms of birth control were used by just 2.4% of U.S. women who used contraceptives.  According to USA Today, just over 8% of women using birth control had chosen such methods by 2009.  With the new healthcare law requiring insurers to cover contraceptives, it’s likely these pricey methods will only become more popular in coming years.

Mirena: Convenience at What Cost?

Birth control advocates like Mirena because of its convenience.   There’s no worry that a woman using Mirena will forget to take a daily pill, for instance.  But the growing numbers of lawsuits that detail Mirena side effects indicate that its convenience has come at a high price for some women.  Many Mirena complications, including uterine perforations and ectopic pregnancy, can permanently harm a woman’s fertility, and even put their lives at risk.  Plaintiffs in Mirena lawsuits allege that Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the device, concealed its serious risks and failed to provide users with adequate warnings about Mirena side effects.

According to USA Today some in the medical community see the Mirena IUD as an ideal contraceptive for women in their late teens or early 20s who are sexually active, but who have no plans for having children in the immediate future.  That’s particularly disturbing because Bayer’s Mirena website specifically recommends the device for women who have already had at least one child.

FDA Mirena Warning Letter

While the USA Today article made a big deal about Mirena’s purported effectiveness and convenience, it did not mention that Bayer has been cited by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for downplaying Mirena side effects.    In December 2009, the agency sent Bayer a letter warning that its Mirena marketing “overstates the efficacy of Mirena, presents unsubstantiated claims, minimizes the risks of using Mirena, and includes false or misleading presentations regarding Mirena.”  The FDA was particularly put out by Bayer’s claims that using Mirena would help a woman “look and feel great.”    According to the letter, many women who use the IUD suffer from Mirena side effects, including loss of libido, irregular bleeding, ovarian cysts, pack pain, weight gain, breast pain and tenderness, and severe bouts of acne.   None of those complications would leave most women looking or feeling great.

The charges in the FDA letter are echoed in many Mirena lawsuits, 16 of which are already pending in New Jersey Superior Court.  It looks like Bayer is expecting even more filings, as it recently petitioned the New Jersey Supreme Court for the consolidation of all Mirena side effect lawsuits filed in the state in a single proceeding in Middlesex County.

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Mirena uterine perforation is one of the most common and dangerous Mirena IUD side effects. The Mirena IUD is a contraceptive device that has been linked to complications such as infections, ectopic pregnancies, scarring and adhesions. Mirena uterine perforations, however, can be especially dangerous if the Mirena IUD is not removed as soon as possible.

Mirena’s prescription information states that perforation or penetration of the uterine wall or cervix may occur during insertion. However, a Mirena uterine perforation may not be detected until even later. If a Mirena uterine preformation occurs, the device may no longer prevent pregnancy. In addition, the IUD device may move from the uterus, causing internal scarring, infection, and even damage to other organs.

Symptoms of Mirena uterine perforation may include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Women at increased risk for Mirena uterine preformations include breastfeeding women, women who recently gave birth, or women with an inverted uterus. According to the Mirena prescription information, women who have recently given birth should not receive Mirena until 6 weeks post-partum, according to the prescribing information.

Health Regulation Agencies Warn of Mirena Uterine Perforation Dangers

In 2010, Health Canada, the country’s national health regulatory agency, warned health care providers about the serious risk of Mirena perforations is quite serious, which occurs in one in 1,000 women and during 1/10,000 Mirena insertions. Health Canada warned that increased use of the Mirena IUD led to the increased numbers of uterine perforations.

Women using the Mirena IUD are urged to perform regular checks to make sure that the device’s threads are still in place. If threads are not visible, have moved or are broken, the IUD might have broken, perforated the uterus or been expelled. See your doctor immediately if this occurs to determine whether the Mirena IUD has migrated or punctured the uterine wall.

The Mirena must be located and removed if it perforates the uterus, which may require a surgical removal. Delayed treatment of a Mirena uterine perforation can lead to serious complications such as migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses and erosion of adjacent tissue.

Have You Suffered from Mirena Side Effects? Consider Filing a Mirena IUD Lawsuit

Women who suffered from Mirena uterine perforation and other side effects are filing lawsuits to seek compensation for their expenses and injuries. Currently, at least 16 Mirena lawsuits are pending in Superior Court in New Jersey. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturer of the devices hid the risks of uterine perforations and other Mirena complications from patients and their doctors, and that the devices are defective. Recently, Bayer asked that all of the Mirena IUD lawsuits pending in New Jersey be consolidated in Middlesex County.

Learn more about how you can file a Mirena IUD lawsuit by calling 1-888-364-6688 or submitting the free case evaluation form on this page.

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The plaintiff in this Mirena lawsuit is a woman from Shenandoah County, Virginia, who claims that her doctor’s failure to remove the Mirena IUD device caused her extensive pain and suffering for years. Unlike many other Mirena lawsuits, this particular case names the plaintiff’s doctor as the defendant. However, Bayer Healthcare, manufacturer of the Mirena IUD, is facing an increasing number of lawsuits in New Jersey Superior Court.

Woman Suffers Long Lasting Mirena IUD Complications

The plaintiff in the Virginia lawsuit received the IUD in 2006. In 2007, she became pregnant with an ectopic pregnancy. Her doctor performed a laparoscopy and other procedures to treat the pregnancy, but did not find the IUD.

After the procedure, the plaintiff suffered from pain in her left side and abdomen. Rather than ordering imaging tests that could have revealed that the Mirena IUD had lodged in her abdomen and despite treating the plaintiff for pain multiple times, the doctor suggested that the plaintiff was ovulating and recommended over the counter painkillers. On another occasion, the doctor told her that the pain came from scar tissue and could not be relieved.

Finally, the plaintiff went to Winchester Medical Center in November 2012. The CT scan revealed that the Mirena IUD was “floating in her abdomen.” In January 2011, she had the device surgically removed.

Mirena IUD Complications Continue to Spur Lawsuits

Mirena IUD side effects lawsuits continue to be filed by women who experienced side effects from the contraceptive device, including the device migrating outside of the uterus. When the Mirena IUD migrates, it can cause uterine perforations, and even travel into the abdomen, as was the case with the plaintiff from Virginia. This can lead to further adverse effects such as infections, scarring, intestinal obstructions, and organ damage. In addition, the device will no longer prevent pregnancy if it moves from its original location, and will increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

To learn more about filing a Mirena IUD lawsuit, please fill out the case evaluation form on this page or call 1-888-364-6688.

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