Mirena has been linked to complications that may require surgery. In rare cases, Mirena can spontaneously migrate and perforate the uterus. It may even move into the abdominal cavity and perforate the intestines or cause an obstruction. Surgery is necessary to remove the “lost” Mirena and close any perforations. Long-term complications include scarring, abdominal pain, and infertility. If you have suffered from this severe Mirena side effect, you may qualify for compensation by filing a lawsuit.

What You Can Do & How a Mirena Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Mirena induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Mirena, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability & Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is Mirena?

The Mirena IUD is a contraceptive device manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Mirena was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 to prevent pregnancy, and in 2009, it was also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Mirena is used by more than 2 million women in the United States.

Mirena is implanted through a woman’s cervix into her vagina. The device is a T-shaped piece of plastic, which rests inside a woman’s pear-shaped uterus. It releases the hormone levonorgestrel, which reduces the chance of pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous and thinning the lining of the uterus. Mirena is effective for up to five years.

Mirena Complications in More than 10% of Women

At least 10% of women with Mirena can expect to experience changes in menstrual bleeding, which usually involves missed menstrual periods. Some women with Mirena stop bleeding during menstruation. Other common complications include abdominal pain and ovarian cysts. Approximately 12% of women on Mirena develop ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that grow in the ovaries. They are normally harmless and resolve without treatment in a couple months. However, in some cases, they can cause abdominal pain and may require surgery.

Mirena Complications in 5-10% of Women

About 5-10% of women on Mirena suffer from acne, headaches, migraines, depressed mood, or heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Mirena Complications in Less than 5% of Women

In clinical trials, less than 5% of women with Mirena suffered the following complications:

• Vaginal discharge
• Breast pain, tenderness
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Inflammation of cervix, vulva or vagina
• Pelvic pain during your period
• Back pain
• Weight increase
• Decreased sex drive
• High blood pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Anemia
• Unusual hair growth or loss
• Skin irritations (such as hives, rash, eczema or itching)
• Feeling bloated
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Expulsion

Rare But Serious Mirena Complications

Perforation of the uterus is a serious but rare complication that requires surgical removal of Mirena. The prescribing information for Mirena warns that this can occur during insertion of the Mirena (about one in 1,000-10,000 insertions). Uterine perforation can also occur if Mirena migrates spontaneously or embeds itself in the uterine wall. If Mirena migrates outside the uterus, it can perforate the intestines. Long-term complications include scarring and infertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection that moves beyond the cervix and into the reproductive organs. It is most often caused by sexually-transmitted bacteria such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Severe cases may require surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy), cause infertility, or even death.

Ectopic pregnancy: This is a life-threatening pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, or ovaries). About half of all pregnancies that occur with Mirena are ectopic pregnancies.

Do I have a Mirena Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Mirena induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Mirena, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability & Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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