The manufacturers of Paragard market their IUD as being easy for the doctor to remove. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for a number of doctors and patients. Paragard lawsuits are being filed throughout the United States against the manufacturers (not doctors) claiming that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and The Cooper Companies, Inc. (i) designed, developed and marketed a defective birth control device and (ii) failed to warn doctors of the risk of device breakage.
The Paragard 380A is an IUD (intrauterine device) that has caused serious pain and suffering in many people across the country. If you are one of thousands of women who have been injured by Paragard or suffered needless invasive procedures or surgical removal, we encourage you to keep reading and find out if you can file a Paragard lawsuit against the manufacturer for creating a defective contraceptive device.
Find Out if You Qualify For The Paragard Lawsuit – If you or a loved one has suffered complications from the copper intrauterine device Paragard T 380A, you should be aware that lawyers are currently filing product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers.
The majority of plaintiffs in the Paragard lawsuit include people who had to go through invasive procedures or surgeries after their doctor was unable to remove the device. Some of the procedures we have reported on include the following:
- Hysterectomy
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Laparotomy
Some of the victims who have filed Paragard claims may not have had a one of the aforementioned procedures but still have fractured pieces from the device still inside of their bodies.
What is an IUD?
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Over the years, birth control methods have become more unique for women. People use birth control for a variety of reasons, including to balance hormones, but the purpose of Paragard 380A IUD is used to prevent pregnancy.
An IUD is very small T-shaped device inserted into the patient’s uterus. It is usually no bigger than the size of a quarter. Aside from insertion, there is little to no maintenance with an IUD which make it incredibly convenient for those who do not want to become pregnant.
According to Planned Parenthood, an IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, and the stats show fewer than one in ten women will become pregnant with one.
The IUD is convenient after a vaginal birth or cesarean and can be implanted during postpartum checkups. There are two different types of IUDs: hormonal release and copper.
- A hormonal release IUD does just what the name suggests; it releases hormones into the body.
- A copper IUD is unique in that sperm has a natural aversion to copper, so this is very effective at preventing sperm from reaching an egg. A copper IUD can be left in the body for up to 12 years.
The Paragard 380A is one such copper IUD. But just because it is convenient and low-maintenance doesn’t mean it comes with impunity. IUD’s come with an increased risk ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Common side effects of a Paragard IUD may include:
- Pain after insertion
- Cramping
- Backaches
- Irregular periods
- Heavy periods
- Spotting
The major side effects from a Paragard IUD, include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Migration
- Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), or idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Infertility
Paragard Implantation and Removal Complications
As you can see, there are some major concerns about your physical health should you have a defective or failing IUD. One of these concerns is the T-shaped arm of the Paragard IUD can break off, either while inserted or during removal. This requires an invasive procedure to remove the broken pieces.
A doctor will usually perform what’s called a hysteroscopy– an endoscope inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity, to locate the pieces for retrieval. The doctor may also require a procedure that is similar to a cesarean section, or even a hysterectomy if the pieces are buried too deep. This would cause permanent infertility.
Remember, the IUD is as small as a quarter so the broken pieces can be hard to find. These pieces can embed themselves into the uterine wall, and even migrate elsewhere in the body.
This can cause excruciating pain, and side effects that may include:
- Severe menstrual pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramps
- Spotting
- Inflammation (pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Infection
- Organ perforation or damage to the organs
- Infertility
Paragard Remains on the Consumer Market
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Paragard in 1994. It has been approved for up to ten years of implantation in the body. In 2019, there was a sterility issue with the device which prompted a recall. However, despite the harrowing accounts of women who have experienced the emotional, physical, and financial effects of a failed Paragard IUD, it still remains on the market.
File a Paragard Lawsuit – Speak With a Lawyer Handling Paragard Litigation
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from the Paragard IUD, you should be aware that medical device lawyers are currently filing product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers of the Paragard IUD.
By filing a Paragard Lawsuit, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries. Fill out the form below to contact a Paragard lawyer handling these claims.