The Mirena IUD is a long-term contraceptive with an extremely high effective rate. It has also been linked to reproductive organ injury and cranial pressure that can cause permanent vision loss.
Mirena is a small, plastic second-generation intrauterine device that uses the progestogen hormone levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy. It is manufactured by German pharmaceutical company Bayer.
Yaz and Yasmin first became widely used when the drugs were marketed as birth control alternatives that promised women relief from PMS, bloating, and acne when compared to traditional oral contraceptives.
SIDE EFFECTS:
In recent years, experts have also warned of more serious Mirena side effects like uterine wall perforation that may require surgery, and a rare neurological disorder called PTC that can cause migraines, blindness and hearing problems.
WHAT IS MIRENA?
Mirena was first introduced in 1990 and approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2000. The device releases a regulated 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel directly into the uterus each day for 5 years, compared to birth control pills that release 150 micrograms per day.
Mirena is implanted by a doctor or nurse during an outpatient office visit, and must be monitored for some time with follow-up visits. Normal removal of the device also requires the help of a medical professional.
While Bayer claims Mirena is effective for up to 5 years, research has suggested it may retain prevention for as many as seven.
The hormone levonorgestrel in Mirena works by preventing the survival and penetration of sperm, thickening mucus in the cervix, and reducing endometrium. It can also cause some patients to stop ovulating.
With an effective rate between 99.3% and 99.8%, Mirena can prevent pregnancy as well as tubal sterilization.
In addition to contraception, Mirena may be prescribed to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, thickening of the uterus, pain in the pelvis or pain during menstruation, endometriosis and low red blood cell counts.
Unfortunately, reports have linked the device to uterine wall perforation and a rare cranial hypertension disorder called PTC that can cause headaches, hearing problems and vision loss. Lawyers have helped many of those affected file lawsuits.
"MIRENA SIDE EFFECTS"
Clinical trials have shown women who use Mirena may be more likely to develop certain side effects. These include:
- Irregular periods
- Infection
- Cramping and Pain
- Early device expulsion
- Ovarian cysts
- Nervousness or depression
- Vaginal swelling or itching
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weight gain
In addition, the device is not recommended for women who may be pregnant, breastfeeding, have vaginal bleeding or inflammation, have cervical, uterine or breast cancer, liver disease, certain STDs or a recent abortion.
Thousands of patients have reported these adverse Mirena side effects to the FDA’s MedWatch reporting program, and many have filed claims for compensation in special federal drug injury courts.
