Bayer Facing Additional Lawsuits Over Mirena IUD Side Effects

Pharmaceutical company, Bayer, is facing an increasing number of lawsuits over side effects of its Mirena intrauterine devices or IUDs, particularly those involving women suffering from a serious neurological condition called pseudotumor celebri (PTC). A number of these women have accused Bayer of failing to warn them about this particular side effect whose symptoms include blurred vision or permanent loss of vision, which could prove devastating. These woman who have alleged their PTC to their usage of Mirena IUDs have followed up by filing several Mirena IUD lawsuits.

More Than 100 Lawsuits Filed

Bayer is currently facing more than 100 Mirena IUD lawsuits for allegedly downplaying the link between Mirena and neurological side effects including PTC. Plaintiffs’ lawyers have asked federal judges to centralize these lawsuits where women have said they’ve suffered PTC or other similar symptoms into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL).

The Mirena IUD was introduced by Bayer in 2000 as a long-acting form of birth control. The device is inserted into the uterus. By releasing the progestin levonorgestrel, it further acts to prevent pregnancy by keeping the woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. Bayer promoted Mirena as a safe and reversible form of birth control, which can prevent pregnancies for up to five years. However, these devices have been linked to a number of side effects including PTC.

Understanding Pseudotumor Celebri

This severe neurological condition occurs because of pressure built up in the skull due to excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Researchers believe that this fluid collection may be caused by the hormones in the IUD. Some of the most common symptoms of PTC include severe and chronic headaches, blindness, ringing in the ears, papilledema or swelling of the optic disc, nausea and vomiting. While some of these symptoms may be treated or even reversed, some may not go away. For example, the blindness caused by PTC may be permanent. PTC exerts pressure on the optic nerve, which causes the loss of vision. Usually when PTC is diagnosed, treatment is focused on preserving whatever vision remains. Doctors typically give medications to reduce production of the cerebrospinal fluid, which builds up and causes the pressure.

In some cases, the symptoms go away for a while, but return, according to some of the lawsuits filed. Moreover, PTC can be difficult to diagnose and could be mistaken for a brain tumor. The lawsuits allege that Bayer knew or should have known about the link between Mirena IUDs and PTC, but failed to warn consumers about these potential risks. While some other countries require a warning on these devices, such alerts are not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Contact a Mirena IUD Lawyer Today!

If you or a loved one is experiencing this severe neurological condition as a result of receiving a Mirena IUD, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages including medical expenses, lost income, cost of treatment, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Our law firm is working with experienced Mirena IUD lawyers who will not charge any fees unless they have recovered compensation for you. Call us at 1-800-992-6878 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

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