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Women Injured by Paragard IUD Filing Lawsuits
Although the Paragard IUD has been in use since the 1980s, it is getting new attention now as dozens of women are filing lawsuits charging that they sustained injury when the copper birth control device broke or imbedded itself in other organs inside their bodies.
Paragard is one of five intrauterine devices available approved for use in the U.S., and the only non-hormonal alternative. Other IUDs like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla contain the hormone levonorgestrel. Courtney Benedict, associate director of Medical Standards Implementation at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said Paragard is considered to be the most effective form of emergency contraception because it “reduces the risk of pregnancy by 99 percent up to five days after having unprotected sex, and can remain inserted for up to 12 years.” Paragard is also the only IUD that has been by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for more than three decades.
Injuries Related to Paragard
Despite the advantages of the device, women who have filed lawsuits against Paragard manufacturer Teva claim that they were not properly warned about a critical side effect – device breakage. They also allege that the company misrepresented Paragard as safe and effective, despite knowing that it was defective. The current prescribing information for Paragard lists “device breakage” in the adverse events section but fails to specify how often it happens, although it warns that “breakage of an embedded Paragard during non-surgical removal has been reported.”
Some of the more serious side effects related to Paragard include ectopic pregnancy, sepsis, pelvic inflammatory disease, embedment, perforation of the uterine wall or cervix, discharge of the device, and changes in menstrual cycle. Some patients say they suffered symptoms of copper toxicity after insertion of Paragard, but the medical community is undecided as to whether the levels of copper in the device are not high enough to cause toxicity. However, there is evidence that it could worsen Wilson’s disease, a disease that affects copper excretion.
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.
