Mark Casto | August 16, 2024 | Personal Injury Lawyer Near Columbus Georgia
Although millions of women around the world have had their Mirena intrauterine devices (IUDs) removed with no issue, many have experienced a set of symptoms that has earned it the term “Mirena Crash.”
The Mirena IUD works by slowly releasing the hormone progestin to prevent the fertilization of a woman’s eggs. Made by Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the device can prevent pregnancy for up to eight years and reduce heavy periods for up to five years. Up until 2022, however, the FDA had only approved it as a contraception for five years.
Unfortunately, the T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus comes with side effects — some that are severe and extend over a significant period of time. Because of these side effects, Bayer has been hit with a bevy of lawsuits over the last 13 years, including large class-action suits alleging design flaws and failure to warn consumers about the side effects.
Mirena Side Effects
The Mirena device has two types of side effects: post-insertion and post-removal. Bayer highlights several serious post-insertion side effects on the Mirena website: ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy risks, life‐threatening infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation, and expulsion.
The website also notes the most common side effects, which are:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Headache or migraines
- Pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and after insertion
- Changes in bleeding
- Missed menstrual periods
- Vaginal discharge
- Ovarian cysts
- Vulvovaginitis
The post-removal side effects include cramping, pain, and bleeding immediately after a healthcare professional removes the Mirena IUD, yet they usually subside after a short period.
The Mirena Crash Symptoms
An extensive list of longer-term, post-removal side effects that have been reported are now known as Mirena Crash symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- Severe mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Acne
- Severe headaches and migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Delayed fertility
- Decreased libido
The crash symptoms, which can last for weeks or months, may stem from the hormonal imbalance caused by the sudden drop in progestin, but other factors could be to blame. Studies probing the potential causes are underway.
Bayer Slammed With Lawsuits
The Mirena IUD side effects have impacted thousands of customers. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Bayer over these side effects and the company’s alleged failure to sufficiently inform product users about the risks. Some cases have alleged that Bayer had minimized the side effects and played up the product’s safety.
More than a thousand lawsuits seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering involve post-insertion perforation of the uterus. In 2017, Bayer settled a class-action lawsuit over organ perforation with 4,800 plaintiffs. In other cases, women alleged the product caused damage to organs, intracranial hypertension, and pseudotumor cerebri.
A consumer class-action lawsuit filed in California in 2022 alleges Bayer failed to disclose research that reveals the device increases the risk of breast cancer by 20% to 30%.
The lawsuit asserts claims for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, unjust enrichment, and fraud. It also alleges a violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and violation of California’s False Advertising Law.
Managing Mirena Crash Symptoms
To alleviate Mirena Crash symptoms at home, women can take over-the-counter pain medications for body aches and headaches, engage in mindful activities such as yoga or meditation, eat healthy foods, reduce their intake of sugar and alcohol, and stop smoking. When symptoms are severe, women should always seek medical attention.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus Personal injury accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 480-9365