Everything You Need to Know About Paragard IUD Injuries

By Michael Phelan | February 18, 2019

What is Paragard?

Paragard is a small, hormone-free IUD made of plastic wrapped in a layer of copper.  Remarkably, copper is its only active ingredient in the device. Copper wires coiled around the device produce an inflammatory reaction, which is toxic to sperm and eggs (ova), preventing pregnancy.  The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved this device in 1984. Paragard is the only copper IUD available in the United States.

Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Paragard, states on its website that “Paragard lasts for up to 10 years but can be removed by a healthcare provider whenever you choose.”  Many women chose Paragard, based on its simplicity and alleged ease of use.

Paragard May Cause Injuries During Implantation

Unfortunately, Paragard many women have reported complications during the implantation of their IUD. During implantation, it can perforate the wall of the uterus. Perforation can cause additional complications, including infection, scarring, or damage to other nearby organs. Surgery is often needed to correct this problem.

Paragard May Cause Injuries Upon Removal

Even after a successful implantation, some women have issues with their Paragard IUD. According to the Paragard website, the Paragard may be difficult to remove “because it is stuck in the uterus.” Also, according to the website, “Surgery may sometimes be needed to remove Paragard.”

There also have been other reported problems.

According to an FDA report, one woman reported that she went through removal eight-and-a-half years after implantation of the device. Her explant surgeon found that the copper coil that is typically wound around the plastic T-shaped base was missing. There was copper on the “T” arms of the device, and both arms were intact, but there was no copper on the vertical part of the IUD.

The following injuries are associated with Paragard IUDs:

  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Surgical removal of stuck IUDs
  • Migration of the device
  • Broken IUDs that require surgical removal
  • Copper wire left behind in the body
  • Scarring,
  • Infections
  • Organ damage

Others have reported that parts of the device broke off when removed, which can damage the uterus. When this happens, patients typically have to go through surgery to have the broken pieces removed. In rare cases, a full hysterectomy is required—which is devastating news to many women.

Women Injured by Paragard IUDs Have Legal Rights

No one expects invasive surgeries, permanent injuries, and emotional distress just because they used an IUD. Women who suffered injuries due to a defective or improperly implanted Paragard IUD have legal rights. However, there are strict filing deadlines in these cases, and you need to act quickly.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury, you may have claims against Teva Pharmaceuticals, physicians, and other parties that caused your injuries. If you have questions about a Paragard IUD, your potential damages, or legal rights, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced medical device lawyer.

Contact Paragard Injury Lawyers at Phelan Petty

If you or someone you know was injured by or suffered from a broken Paragard IUD and required or requires surgery, please contact the product liability attorneys at Phelan Petty as soon as possible, as there are time limitations that are running on your case.  Call us today at 866-249-3164 or complete our contact form, and one of our product liability attorneys will call you.

References

Medsun reports (2015, January 30). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/medsun/medsun_details.cfm?id=43201

See report to FDA Medical Product Safety Network here.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.

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Posted in Personal Injury