The Paragard IUD (intrauterine device) is the only non-hormonal IUD available in the United States for the prevention of pregnancy. Unfortunately, some women have experienced painful or life-threatening complications after the insertion of a Paragard IUD. If you or a loved one experienced a dangerous Paragard complication, James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. is prepared to investigate your case.
About the Paragard IUD
The Paragard IUD consists of a flexible plastic T wrapped in copper wire which is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Unlike many forms of birth control, the Paragard IUD does not use hormones. Instead, the copper causes an inflammatory reaction which is toxic to sperm and egg cells. This device can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, and can be removed at any time.
The Paragard IUD was first approved by the FDA in 1984. It was originally authorized for women in monogamous relationships with at least one child, but in 2005, the FDA approved revisions to the prescribing label which expanded the class of patients who could use the device to include women from age 16 to menopause, regardless of whether they had previously had a child. A mutually monogamous relationship was no longer required, but stable relationships were encouraged to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Several problems can occur with use of the Paragard IUD. When it is implanted, it can perforate the uterus, leading to infection and scarring. It may also cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other organs. When the device is removed, it may fracture, seriously injuring the patient, and in some cases, surgery may be required to remove devices damaged during removal.
Although this device is very effective at preventing pregnancy, when pregnancy does occur, there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Such pregnancies can cause internal bleeding and infertility and are a leading cause of death in early pregnancy.
During the more than 30 years that this device has been on the U.S. market, the FDA has received more than 40,000 reports of adverse reactions, including more than 15,500 serious complications and at least 15 deaths. Severe complications with this IUD may include:
- Breakage upon removal
- Expulsion or falling out of the uterus
- Migration
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Embedding in the uterus
- Infection
- Inflammation caused by copper from the IUD
- Hysterectomy
- Perforation of the uterine wall or cervix
- Scarring and damage to other organs
- Death
The Paragard IUD was originally manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, which sold the product to CooperSurgical Inc. in 2017. Manufacturers which fail to properly warn users of health risks associated with their products may be liable for resulting injuries.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured after using the Paragard IUD, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free initial consultation, contact us today.
Toll Free: +1 (877) 341-2595
Email: jhumphreys@jfhumphreys.com
Although there have been reported injuries with this device, the FDA has not withdrawn its approval at this time. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.
