Are you using the Mirena IUD? Have you considered all risks that come from using an IUD? Mirena may be a popular form of contraception, but it may come with serious health problems. A Mirena IUD takes about a week to start working but can be used up to 5 years and is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making it appealing to a lot of women. It’s nonsurgical and can be removed at any time.
Lawsuits are being filed against Bayer, the manufacturer of Mirena IUD, claiming that the IUD is causing pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). This condition is not fatal; however, it can cause permanent damage to those who develop it. PTC is a build up of spinal fluid in the skull mimicking a brain tumor. The fluid leads to extreme pressure in the skull causing migraines and blindness. If not treated quickly, blindness can become permanent.
PTC is so similar to a brain tumor, that it is often misdiagnosed. By the time it is properly diagnosed, some of the symptoms could already be permanent. PTC can be diagnosed through a spinal tap, MRIs, change in optic nerves, and stenosis. For treatment in mild cases, medication can reduce the pressure. In severe cases, surgical tubes must be inserted into the skull to drain the fluid.
It has been known since the 1990s that products, such as Mirena, that use levonorgestrel (synthetic hormones) can cause a higher risk for PTC. If you or someone you know is using a Mirena IUD, be aware of the side effects including: frequent headaches beginning behind their eyes, pain worsening when rolling their eyes, blurred or double vision, temporary blindness or blind spots, and ringing in the ears. If any of these symptoms are present, you should speak to your doctor immediately.
Other issues reported to the FDA include perforation of the uterus or cervix, embedding of the IUD in the uterine wall, ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine pregnancy, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, breast cancer, infertility expulsion, vaginitis, atraumatic abortion, dysmenorrhea, sepsis, irregular bleeding, and amenorrhea.
It is alleged that Bayer failed to warn patients and doctors about the risks of developing permanent damage from pseudotumor cerebri.
If you or someone you know has experienced issues with a Mirena IUD, please contact one of our attorneys. We can help review your case to see what legal options you may have.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
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