A number of lawsuits have arisen due to the complications caused by the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs). It has been shown that with the increase in popularity of IUDs, there has been a notable rise of cases where migration of the devices leads to a need for corrective surgery for the removal of such devices. Besides the obvious negative consequences of the improper placement of IUDs, such as pregnancy, either uterine or ectopic, there lies the further threat of internal bleeding or infections.
A study, published by Frances R. Mosely et al. (2012) in The Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons which aimed at determining the most successful surgical technique for the removal of migrated IUDs from within the peritoneal cavity determined that laparoscopic surgery was the most commonly used with a high success rate for removal. The study further indicated that the complications that result from IUD migration into the peritoneal cavity often must involve an initial or even mid-surgery conversion to open surgery was required.
Currently, the most popular IUD in the United States is Mirena®, a product manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that is associated with a high rate of IUD migration and uterine perforation. Because Bayer Pharmaceuticals has time and again failed to warn the users of its products of the relevant risks, a number of Mirena® migration lawsuits are currently being filed.
If you have experienced negative side-effects of IUD insertion, or have required surgery due to the use of IUDs, then you may be eligible to file an IUD migration lawsuit. We urge you to contact our law offices to receive a free consultation to help you determine if you have a case. You may reach our offices at either by phone, at (888) 315 – 3997, or by e-mail, at justinian@justinian.us.
Other complications related to the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices such as Mirena® (manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals) are ectopic pregnancy, loss of pregnancy, loss of fertility, and IUD expulsion. For more information, the Mayo Clinic website has a great deal of information regarding the risks of Mirena® use.
The Roy et al. (2000) piece describes the case of a woman, aged 42 years and otherwise healthy, who had decided to use an intrauterine contraceptive device after the birth of her second child.[1] This, in fact, is the time in life at which the Mirena® device is intended to be used.
After using her intrauterine contraceptive device for only 15 days, she came back to her doctor complaining of mild pelvic pain. Upon examination, the removal strings of the device could not be located, and X-ray was required to locate the device. Found to have torn through the uterine wall, the device was resting in front of the sacrum. Using laparoscopy, a surgical procedure aided by the insertion of a tiny camera aboard surgical equipment, the device was removed and the woman recovered without injury.[2]
Due to the fact that the manufacturers of Mirena® IUD and other similar products have time and again failed to make clear the risks associated with the use of their products, a number of Mirena® lawsuits are currently being filed.
[1] Roy, K.K. et al. “Laparoscopic removal of translocated retroperitoneal IUD” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 71 _2000. 241]243
Cornual (interstitial) pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in one of the fallopian tubes, rather than in the uterus, where it would normally take place.
“Interstitial pregnancy accounts for up to 1 to 3% of all ectopic pregnancies.[36,37]The term cornual pregnancy is used interchangeably in the United States as a synonym for interstitial pregnancies. However, it refers to a pregnancy in the interstitial segment of a unicornuate or bicornuate uterus.[35]As the pregnancy grows in the area of the fallopian tube that enters the uterus, surrounding myometrial tissue allows for further development of the pregnancy into the second trimester. Rupture of such an advanced gestation may result in catastrophic hemorrhage, with a mortality rate of up to 2%.[35,38,39]Diagnosis of interstitial pregnancies relies heavily on ultrasound and potentially on laparoscopic evaluation.[40]Ultrasound frequently shows a thin rim of myometrial tissue surrounding the ectopic pregnancy sac.[41]The interstitial line has been described as an echogenic line extending into the corneal region and abuting the gestational sac, and is highly specific for interstitial pregnancy.[39]Risk factors for development of interstitial pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancy, previous salpingectomy, uterine anomalies, ipsilateral salpingectomy, IVF, ovulation induction, and sexually transmitted infections.[35,39]”[1]
Due to the fact that Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the Mirena® IUD has failed to warn users about the risk for pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy found to be associated with Mirena® use, many Mirena® lawsuits are currently being filed.
At your convenience, you may reach our offices by phone at (888) 315 – 3997 or by e-mail at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us
Mirena is one of, if not the most commonly-used IUD's in the world. Mirena attorney Justinian Lane has recently posted several articles on his Dangerous Drugs blog relating to the risks facing Mirena users:
First, Lane discusses a 2008 case report in which Mirena device migration caused injuries to three women. In one of the three cases, the woman believed she had expelled the Mirena but it had in fact migrated and required surgery to be removed.
Next, Lane discusses a 2011 case report in which two Mirena users required laparoscopic retreival of the Mirena. Laparoscopic surgery is less-invasive than traditional surgery. Fortunately, the two women in this case report successfully recovered.
Finally, Lane discusses the 2002 case of a 39-year-old woman who suffered an ectopic pregnancy while using Mirena because the device had migrated into her abdomen. Ectopic pregnancies and Mirena migration can both be life-threatening.
"I am currently reviewing potential Mirena cases on behalf of women who suffered injuries that may have been caused by Mirena. I welcome the opportunity to speak to any women who believe their Mirena IUD migrated or otherwise injured them. If a woman would prefer to discuss her case with another woman initially, I am fortunate enough to work with a talented attorney and several support personnel who would be happy to speak to anyone more comfortable with someone of their own gender," said Lane.
