About Paragard
Manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Paragard IUD provides a long-term birth control approved by the FDA since 1984. In 1984, the FDA approved for use of only 4 years. In 1994, the use extended to 10 years. However, some are misguided to think the device can last up to 12 years.
The Paragard® Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive is a small, T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. Unlike other IUDs that use hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy, the ParaGard IUD is a non-hormonal IUD that releases copper to prevent fertilization. Literature brags of a pregnancy rate of less than 1 per 100 women each year.
Two monofilament stands affix to the bottom portion of the Paragard with a wire coil wrapped around the device. The chemical makeup of the wire is undisclosed from the NDA application. The fiber plastic is also commonly used to make fishing line. This plastic with the human body causes it to deionize over time.
Paragard IUD Broken Arm Injuries
Paragard IUD Broken Arm InjuriesMore women are turning to IUDs as a form of contraception. However, there has been an increase in risks associated with the device as well. The most common of these is when the device’s T-arm breaks. Unlike Mirena or Skyla, the T-arm in Paragard does not bend.
Either during use or removal, the T-arm breaks. Due to the nature of removal, the uterus will contract. Once the device breaks and the uterus contracts, the broken arm disappears into the body. Usually the broken arm is sharp and perforates the uterine wall. All arm breaks happen in the same place.
Then, a doctor recommends ultrasound or laparoscopy to find the fragment. However, puncturing the uterine wall too many times will prevent future pregnancies. Many doctors recommend 1-2 years after the arm breaks to attempt a pregnancy.
Arm Break Complications
This dangerous complication can impair fertility and lead to painful surgeries at an attempt of removal. These include hysteroscopy, laparotomy and in some cases, a complete hysterectomy. However, many times retrieval of the arm is impossible.
Therefore, the risk of surgeries includes infection, bleeding, PID, tearing of the uterus or damage to the cervix, and complications from fluid or gas used in the procedure.
Paragard T-Arm Break Study
In 2015, the Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports published a study of Chicago gynecologists within a 3-year time frame. The study found 7 issues over the three years of a T-arm break. All required a hysteroscopic removal. One study participant was unable to have the arm removed. Experts suggested that these breaks are heavily underreported.
Paragard Lawsuit
Currently, there are 15 cases pending in Pennsylvania. However, many women are bravely coming forward and notifying us of their broken arm complications. We expect a Multi-district litigation (MDL) to be forming later this year.
We Want to Help Paragard Victims
It is your right to be informed about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If after using Paragard and the arm of the device broke, you should demand accountability.
We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for dangerous products that harm consumers, and we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement may give your compensation for your injuries and damages. The types of recoverable losses are:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
Also, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
Therefore, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages. These can punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If your Paragard IUD’s arm broke, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
