The Teva Pharmaceutical Company developed the Paragard Intrauterine Device as a method for long-term birth control. Paragard IUDs are advertised as safe contraceptive devices and the only birth control method that is 100% hormone free. It has one simple, active copper ingredient that lasts up to ten years and is the only IUD approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over thirty years.
However, the pharmaceutical company does not adequately disclose the dangers associated with using this device. Many women have experienced severe complications after using the Paragard IUD. It is vital to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a consumer litigation attorney as soon as possible if you have experienced adverse effects associated with this product.
History of Adverse Effects Reported to the Food and Drug Administration
The FDA first approved the Paragard IUD for use by women in 1984. Since that time, they have received more than 3,100 reports from consumers in their Adverse Events Reporting System database. Approximately 1,910 women experienced severe complications requiring hospitalization or surgery for life-threatening side effects and complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and organ damage due to broken IUDs. Fifteen women died from these complications.
The manufacturer of this device, Cooper Surgical, Inc., updated its warning associated with this product in 2019, as the FDA warned them about airing television ads that make false or misleading statements about the safety of the Paragard IUD. However, despite the statistics supporting the risks, the Food and Drug Administration has not recalled this device.
The Paragard IUD product liability case is a negligence claim based on an alleged defect in the design of the device. Teva Pharmaceutical and Cooper Surgical, Inc. failed to warn consumers of the potential risks and complications that can occur when the device breaks. The settlement amounts or awards will likely be based on the severity of the cases.
Consolidation of Lawsuits
The Paragard IUD multidistrict litigation was created in 2020 to consolidate numerous lawsuits against the designer and manufacturer of the device, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Cooper Surgical, Inc. Currently, Paragard IUD MDL proceedings are focused on discovery, in which both parties gather and exchange evidence. This evidence includes depositions from Paragard IUD users who have experienced complications and Teva Pharmaceutical and Cooper Surgical employees responsible for its design, manufacturing, and marketing.
Latest Updates
The Paragard IUD MDL is overseen by District Judge Leigh Martin May in the Northern District of Georgia. The case continues to move forward as civil litigation attorneys representing injured individuals seek justice for the complications caused by the defective device.
In July 2022, the judge presiding over the MDL issued an order for plaintiffs to submit certain discovery documents. As of August 2022, the number of cases pending in the MDL is 1,314. A prospective trial date for the first Paragard IUD bellwether trial has been set for January 2024, pending the judge’s order to finalize this date. Bellwether trials are select cases from the pool of lawsuits that determine the defendant’s settlement offers or preference to go to trial. In either case, injured Paragard IUD users may be able to receive compensation for their damages.
Statute of Limitations
Personal Injury cases for financial compensation are time sensitive. The Statute of Limitations to initiate legal proceedings differs, depending on where the offense occurred. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have a qualifying case and if it is within the Statute of Limitations.
Injuries and Complications from the Paragard IUD are:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Migration of the IUD
- Perforation of the cervix
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Scarring inside the uterus
- Infertility
- Infection
- Pain
- Inflammation or allergic reaction to the IUD
- Missing pieces lodged in organs or are unable to be removed
- Hysterectomy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy surgery to remove broken IUD pieces
Women have the right to safeguard their health when using contraceptive devices. Adverse medical conditions are not limited to those above, and injured women should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Qualifying Criteria to File a Paragard IUD Lawsuit:
- Have you used a Paragard IUD for less than ten years?
- Did the Paragard IUD device break when in use or while being removed?
- Have you had medical complications from the device or the surgical removal of the device?
- Have you had an ectopic pregnancy associated with the use of the device?
- Have you needed a hysterectomy due to damage caused by the Paragard IUD?
- Have you had other organ damage caused by the device?
Contact a Premier Litigation Law Firm
At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, we are passionate about advocating for the rights of consumers harmed by pharmaceutical companies. We are recognized as one of the country’s most successful mass tort law firms for complex litigation cases. Call The Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 for a Free Consultation today.
Sources:
Lynn Panholzer, Pharm.D., Food and Drug Administration, Reference ID:4467731, Accessed October 13, 2022.
https://www.fda.gov/media/129526/download
“A Simple Guide to Paragard Lawsuits and Settlements,” The National Law Review, April 8, 2020, Accessed October 14, 2022.
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/simple-guide-to-paragard-lawsuits-and-settlements
“Paragard Video Ad Fails to Mention Risks, FDA Warns Manufacturer,” Med Truth, March 12. 2021, accessed October 14, 2022
https://medtruth.medium.com/paragard-video-ad-fails-to-mention-risks-fda-warns-
manufacturer-3d3a319b4dc3