There are currently over 2 million women that use Mirena® as a long-term birth control option. It has also been approved to help control heavy bleeding in women who have already used an IUD. Mirena® has been on the market since 2001, and it has been successful for the many women that use it.
However, some women have experienced frightening and life-threatening side effects. Although these side effects are rare, they can be confusing, painful, and can cause long-term damage. Mirena® is implanted directly into the uterus, which makes the problems associated with this birth control method unique.
Mirena® is extremely effective as a birth control method. Less than one percent of women who use Mirena® will become pregnant while using it. It can be used for up to five years and remain effective. It is one of the only birth control options that has this type of long-term effectiveness.
Those who use Mirena® and become pregnant are at a higher risk for implantation of an egg outside of the uterus. This situation is commonly referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. These types of pregnancies increase the chances of rupture and internal bleeding. Treatment for this type of pregnancy may include surgery or medication.
Bleeding, abdominal pain, and/or an absence of menstrual periods are all signs of an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy can cause serious health risks, and it has the potential for long-term damage. It is commonly associated with severe pain in the lower stomach or your side. If you think you may have this type of pregnancy, see a doctor immediately.
Ectopic pregnancies are rare, but the chances of such a pregnancy occurring increase while on Mirena® . Nonetheless, even on Mirena® , having this type of pregnancy is still unusual. Other more common side effects of Mirena® include:
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Irregular bleeding
- Mood changes
- Absence of periods
- Weight gain
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Changes in hair growth
- Loss of interest in sex
- Puffiness/bloating
- Back pain
- Uterine perforation
Some women may also expel the device from their uterus.
Certain medical conditions may also lead your doctor to recommend that the IUD be removed. This might include developing cervical cancer, a pelvic infection, or showing a significant increase in blood pressure. Although these things are not specifically caused by Mirena® , combining the use of Mirena® with these conditions can increase your likelihood of developing additional problems.
Arguably, the most severe side effect associated with Mirena® is that it may move from its implanted position within the uterus. When it moves, it can cause damage to the uterus and may even affect your other vital organs in that area, including the bladder. It may also damage the abdominal cavity, surrounding blood vessels, and the pelvis. If this type of movement occurs, you may need to have the device surgically removed to prevent further damage and pain.
In most situations, however, if the device moves, it will only be expelled down further, moving out of the uterus. If this occurs, Mirena® is not effective in preventing pregnancies and the movement can be extremely uncomfortable or painful.
Perforation generally only happens while the device is being placed in the uterus. For this reason, it is important to use a skilled and experienced doctor for this procedure. If a perforation occurs, it often is not recognized right away. Of course, this means that you think that you are protected from pregnancy when you really are not.
If the perforation goes unrecognized for a significant amount of time, the IUD can be difficult to remove and can cause long-term damage. It is important to speak with your doctor right away if you think your IUD may have moved or perforated your uterus. Quick action may help you prevent long-term problems.
When you are ready to have your IUD removed, or if it needs to be removed in an emergency situation, the process is generally straightforward. The attached string makes removing the device an easy and relatively painless process.
In some situations, however, the IUD can become embedded in the uterine wall. If this situation happens to you, you may have to undergo surgery to have the device removed. Although most of the surgeries are effective, simply having to have surgery can potentially cause long-term damage.
Mirena® Lawsuits
Lawsuits that involve Mirena® often involve device migration or perforation. These cases assert that Bayer, the device’s manufacturer, should have done more to warn women of serious side effects like perforation and migration.
Bayer also promoted Mirena® in 2009 as romantically beneficial, which the FDA determined violated standards for pharmaceutical marketing. In this marketing campaign, Bayer encouraged women to hold get-togethers to discuss the benefits of Mirena® . Many argued that this type of marketing overstated the benefits of Mirena® and downplayed the potential side effects.
Were you aware of the risks of perforation and migration associated with Mirena® ? Have you or a loved one experienced these types of problems after using Mirena® ? You may have legal options. Call 800-800-4600 to find out more.
Cases likely to be referred.
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