Paragard Class Action Lawsuit

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Have you or a loved one suffered brain damage or other complications using paragard birth control? Let our Paragard lawyers fight for you in a paragard class action lawsuit.

Paragard lawsuits have been cropping up all across the country. While some women use this product with no issues, there are others who use it and end up with serious complications. In some cases, the use of the Paragard IUD has been linked to severe brain injury. The removal of the device can cause issues, as well. Call us today to get started on your case.

Complications with the Paragard IUD

The Paragard IUD is not risk-free birth control. If you choose to have one, you could end up with serious injuries. The IUD can get stuck and require surgery to remove it. Also, the device can break while it is being taken out which can cause damage to the uterus; there have been instances where, upon removal, doctors discovered the coil that was attached to the T-shaped device was missing. This can require surgery and, in some extreme cases, a hysterectomy.

Perforation of the uterine wall may also occur at any time, but especially when the doctor places the device. This could cause scarring, fertility issues, and damage to other organs.

Lastly, an IUD increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy which can lead to internal bleeding, damage to fertility and sometimes death.

The Paragard IUD Uses and Risks

The Paragard IUD is a long-term birth control method that can be used for years inside of the uterus. It was FDA approved in 1984. Women who have a hard time remembering to take pills or switch out a vaginal ring often look to IUDs as a low-maintenance alternative.

The Paragard IUD is non-hormonal. It is a shaped like a T and made of plastic. It works because of the copper coil wrapped around it. Sperm and eggs are repelled by the copper, which prevents them from meeting and prevents fertilization of the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy. On the website for the Paragard IUD, it says the device can protect against pregnancy for up to 10 years. They also say that the Paragard IUD is the only hormone-free birth control option and that it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Women who have used the Paragard IUD and have become injured suffer from the following:

  • The device getting stuck in their uterus
  • The device perforating their uterus
  • The device migrating in the body
  • The device breaking, requiring surgery
  • The copper coil getting left behind, resulting in infection and scarring
  • Damage to surrounding organs

The Brain Injury Linked to the Paragard IUD

There have been studies that show there may be a link between some birth control types and a brain injury called pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). The symptoms of this are similar to if the patient had a brain tumor, but there is no tumor present. Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing ears
  • Vision issues
  • Pain in the shoulder, back, or neck
  • Seeing flashes in vision
  • Temporary or permanent blindness

PTC happens when fluid builds up in excess around the brain. It could either be a result of the body failing to absorb the fluid or the body making too much of it. When there is too much fluid, there is pressure put on the brain. The nerves that connect your brain to your eyes can swell, which can give you problems with your vision.

The available treatments for PTC involve lowering how much fluid is in the brain and addressing the symptoms that are affecting the patient. Some patients may require surgery to help with their vision or, in some cases, brain surgery.

There have been studies that show there is a link between the use of birth control and an increased risk of PTC. A study in 2015 looked at the FDA’s reports of people with adverse reactions to birth control. They were looking for a link between cases of excess fluid in the brain and the use of a Mirena IUD. The researchers discovered an unusually high number of women using the Mirena who also had excess fluid in the brain.

A study done in 2017 showed that women using IUDs were seven times more likely to get PTC. There have been many lawsuits that deal with this subject that have been successful for the plaintiff.