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Hundreds of women have filed lawsuits alleging injuries caused by Paragard IUD (intrauterine device). The intrauterine device had been marketed as safe and convenient, but many women say otherwise. If you are currently using Paragard, and you have questions about how the device might have effected you and the safety of the device, we have gathered information made available to us that may be able to provide answers.

Dozens of women have brought such lawsuits against the manufacturer of Paragard T 380A IUD which have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Georgia. These lawsuits claim that Teva Pharmaceuticals manufactured a defective contraceptive device and failed to warn physicians about the risk of the device fracturing upon removal, and knowingly marketed the device as safe and easy to remove. – Injuries Caused by Paragard IUD : Lawsuits Filed

What are the side effects of Paragard?

Some of the most severe side effects associated with Paragard use include ectopic pregnancy, sepsis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), embedment, perforation of the uterine wall, and full or partial expulsion of the IUD. Paragard can lead to a number of minor and more serious side effects, including:

• Anemia
• Extended menstrual flow
• Menstrual spotting
• Pain and cramps
• Backache
• Vaginitis

Can Paragard Cause copper toxicity? 

Some in the medical community believe that the levels of copper contained in Paragard are not sufficient to cause toxicity; however, it could worsen a rare condition called Wilson’s disease, which affects copper elimination from the body. Copper toxicity, though rare, can occur in other situations unrelated to the Paragard IUD.

What are the risk factors for complications with Paragard use?

Although many women will not have problems with Paragard, those with certain conditions may be more at risk for developing serious complications. These conditions include:

• Blood clots in deep veins or lungs
• PID in the last year
• Diabetes or severe anemia
• Issues with blood that doesn’t clot
• Two or more sexually-transmitted diseases within the past two years.
• Ovarian cancer
• History of tubal infection
• Uncontrolled cervical or vaginal infection
• Uterus position far forward or backward in the pelvis
• History of infertility

Those who use Paragard are also at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections at the time of IUD insertion.

I was injured by Paragard…What Do I do Next?

If your injury is related to your use of the Paragard IUD, you should speak to a personal injury attorney experienced with medical device litigation and consider filing a lawsuit to recover monetary damages. Dozens of Paragard lawsuits have been consolidated and are currently pending in multidistrict litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Childers, Schlueter & Smith can look at the details of your potential claim, free of charge. Give us a call today to discuss your potential case. If you would prefer, you can also submit a request on our contact us page. Provide as much information you feel is necessary, click submit, and we will be in touch after review.