Paraguard

If you have suffered injury or other serious side effects caused by the Paragard IUD,
you may be able to bring a lawsuit against ParaGard IUD. Claimants are seeking compensation and allege Paragard is defective and manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the risk of device breakage and injury.

What Is Paragard?

The Paragard IUD is a form of birth control that works by disrupting the process of conception. The T-shaped copper device is placed inside the uterus and produces an inflammatory reaction which acts as a non-hormonal spermicide, inhibiting the union of a sperm cell with an egg cell.

The Paragard IUD is the only copper intrauterine device approved for use in the United States. Paragard is also 100% hormone free and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use up to 10 years.

Each device is made in the USA and consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame wound with copper wire. Two monofilament threads hang down from the device to aid in simple removal of the IUD in a doctor’s office.

How does ParaGard work?

ParaGard works by releasing small amounts of copper into the uterus. In theory, the copper helps to prevent sperm from reaching an egg by creating an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to both sperm and eggs—preventing pregnancy. Additionally, the ParaGard IUD alters the lining of the uterus to reduce the risk of implantation.

Paragard is one of five birth control medications in the form of an intrauterine device available to women in the United States. What sets it apart from the others, is that it is non-hormonal. Non-hormonal birth control are a favored option for women of childbearing years because it doesn’t carry the risks of side effects such as blood clots. In addition, non-hormonal birth control can be used while breast-feeding.

Who might use Paragard?

You might choose Paragard if you:

Want long-term birth control that provides a low chance of getting pregnant (less than 1 in 100)
Want birth control that works continuously for up to 10 years
Want birth control that is reversible
Want a birth control method that you do not need to take daily
Are willing to use a birth control method that is inserted in the uterus
Want birth control that does not contain hormones

Who should not use Paragard?

Do not use Paragard if you:

Are or might be pregnant
Have a condition of the uterus that changes the shape of the uterine cavity, such as large fibroid tumors
Have an untreated pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Have had an infection in your uterus after a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months
Have or suspect you might have cancer of the uterus or cervix
Have unexplained bleeding from your vagina
Have an untreated lower genital infection now in your cervix
Have Wilson’s disease (a disorder in how the body handles copper)
Are allergic to copper, polyethylene, or barium sulfate
Have an intrauterine system in your uterus already

Paragard Side Effects

The most common Paragard side effects are less severe and part of the adjustment period. According to Teva Pharmaceuticals, these side effects usually wear off after the first two or three months of use. Some are more severe and may require medical attention.

Side effects include:

Spotting between periods
Longer, heavier periods
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Expulsion
Vaginal discharge
Infections
Pain during sex
Allergic reactions
Anemia
Menstrual cramps
Perforation of the uterus
Difficulty removing the device

Paragard Dangers & Complications

It’s important to be familiar with Paragard IUD risks if you use or are considering using Paragard IUD.

Paragard defects & complications can result in serious injury.

Common complications and dangers include:

Negative reactions between Paragard & the body, resulting in injury.
Complications during the removal process, resulting in injury.
Device fracture, breaking and migration during use, resulting in injury.

These complications are not assumed by Paragard users as the manufacturer failed to warn consumers of these defects and complications.

For that reason, users suffering injuries resulting from these complications may be entitled to participate in the Paragard injury lawsuit.

TYPES OF PARAGARD IUD INJURIES

Countless women reported needing surgery and suffering from serious injuries due to the product’s complications and defects. Among the most common types of Paragard IUD injuries reported to the FDA include:

IUD getting embedded in the uterus
Perforation of the uterine wall, cervix, colon, etc.
Migration of all or part of the device to other parts of the body, leading to organ perforation and organ damage
Device breakage requiring surgery
Infections
Scarring and damage
Ectopic pregnancy
Loss of reproductive health
IUD expulsion or falling out of the uterus
Inflammation or allergic reaction because of copper left in the body
Death from any of the above injuries.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured by Paragard?

Any woman who has been injured by the Paragard IUD should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Women can endure long-term complications from the injuries caused by this IUD, including being unable to have children. When a company designs a medical product, they have an obligation to produce a safe product that will not cause harm to those who use it. When the device has not been designed properly and causes injury, patients have the right to seek financial compensation.

If you have suffered complications from Paragard, we recommend you take the following steps:

Seek medical treatment from a doctor and focus on healing.
Speak with an attorney. Our firm has extensive experience helping patients injured by medical devices.
Gather paperwork and document your injury and medical treatments as much as possible. Be sure to record the dates of your doctor visits, when the doctor first noticed your health issues, and what your medical treatment has entailed. An experienced lawyer will help you in finding any other evidence that could be beneficial to your claim.

If you have been injured by Paragard, you should consult an attorney. Our lawyers understand the impact these devices can have on you and your family, and we want to help. Our highly skilled and compassionate attorneys will help you determine if you a case. You need to have someone representing you who will make sure you get the help you need. Do not delay.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

The compensation you are entitled to will depend on the facts and circumstances of your particular case. An experienced Paragard lawsuit attorney can give you an idea of the potential value of your claim. You may be eligible to recover the following damages:

Medical bills (past, present, and future) – The costs of hospitalization, doctors’ appointments, surgery, ultrasound imaging, medications, physical therapy, and all other costs associated with your medical care.
Lost wages – Lost wages from missing work due to your injury.
Lost earning capacity – Any income in the future you would have earned had the injury not affected your ability to work.
Pain and suffering – Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment resulting from the injury are difficult to calculate without the help of an experienced attorney.
Loss of consortium – If the injury has had a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner, loss of consortium could help cover loss of companionship, affection, and support.

How Much IUD Can Cost?

According to Planned Parenthood, an IUD can cost anywhere from $0 to $1,300. But because of the Affordable Care Act, most people with insurance can get Paragard for little to no cost.

Patients can check with their insurance company to see if Paragard is covered. If it’s not covered as a medical benefit, it may be covered as a pharmacy benefit, according to Cooper Surgical.

Paragard may also be offered for free or at a low cost for people with Medicaid or through other government programs. Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center or local health department for details.

Have There Been Any Pargard IUD Lawsuits Filed?

Recent studies and lawsuits claim that Paragard, the 380 product models, in particular, may cause serious injuries and complications. The Paragard IUD specifically can migrate throughout the body and/or get embedded or lodged in various parts of the body, like the uterus. Another potentially dangerous defect is when pieces of the Paragard IUD break off and may cause damage or perforation to vital organs and tissues. That makes it hard to retrieve the Paragard IUD and may result in serious invasive surgeries, which includes hysterectomy. Also, it is claimed that Paragard is linked with ectopic pregnancies.

Do I Have An Eligible Case?

Following an injury, you might be wondering whether or not you are eligible to pursue legal action against an entity or person who has harmed you. However, every situation is complex and unique. You might have a valid case. However, we won’t know for certain until we have a thorough understanding of your personal situation. There are several things that we may consider, including:

Warnings that were issues about the implanted device’s risks
Whether or not the device has been subject to any safety alerts or recalls
Hospitalization needed for surgically repairing or removing a perforated organ or treating an infection
Any complications that arise while removing the device, which includes device migration or breakage
Whether or not the device needed to be removed earlier than was anticipated, maybe due to expulsion
The reason why you decided to use the device instead of other contraception methods

It can be complicated to determine liability in a defective medical device without consulting with an experienced attorney. We are prepared to answer any concerns or questions you might have during your free consultation. Calling us to find out more about your potential legal options carries no risk to you.

Is it painful to have a copper IUD inserted?

Generally, having an IUD inserted isn’t painful. It isn’t like adding an implant in the ram where a cut is made. But women may experience some discomfort or pain when the copper IUD is put in. The process generally takes 15 minutes to complete or even less sometimes. Women may feel some pressure or pinching when the procedure is being done. Women can resume normal activities after the copper IUD is inserted. But some may take a day or two to rest and keep cramping and pain medicine with them. Women who have children find it less painful than women who haven’t. But this is a general observation.

Is a copper IUD the right birth control for you?

IUDs are a good method of birth control for most women, especially because it’s easy to use. If a woman doesn’t want a baby for a good number of years, like 3-10 years, then they can go for an IUD. A copper IUD lasts for 10+ years. However, if she decides to have children, she can have it removed. The ten years is the time till expiry, but women can have it removed before that as well. ParaGard is appealing to women who want a hormone-free method for birth control. Women who get cramps or have heavy periods may need to watch out as there is potential for heavier periods. An IUD can prevent pregnancy effectively, but it doesn’t help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS or HIV. After a woman discusses her needs and pre-existing medical conditions with her doctor, she can decide on the best method of birth control.

What if you get pregnant with a copper IUD in?

Very few women can get pregnant while they are using a copper IUD. But if a woman does pregnant, then it is a medical risk. It happens to less than 1% of women. A pregnant woman with an IUD inside her is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy. This pregnancy isn’t viable and puts the woman at risk as well. The egg will implant outside the uterus, generally in the fallopian tube. Usually, the pregnancy needs to be terminated unless you remove the IUD as it can trigger early labor, miscarriage, and even infection.

What to expect after having a non-hormonal IUD inserted?

After having the copper IUD inserted, women may experience side effects for 3 to 6 months post-insertion. Some side effects include cramps, heavy bleeding, and pain before the period comes. But over the counter medications can help manage the discomfort. These side effects will not last forever. The body will get used to the copper IUD; then, there will be very few side effects that are negative.

Contact a Paragard Lawyer

Call today to set up a FREE case evaluation with an experienced Paragard lawsuit lawyer today. We are happy to discuss with you all of your legal options and advise you on how best to proceed with your claim. Call us today to learn if we can help.