By Adam W. Pittman on April 21, 2022
- Paragard is an intrauterine birth control device (IUD) that uses copper instead of hormones. It is a T-shaped device with copper wound around both arms and the central trunk. The copper produces an inflammatory reaction in the uterus that acts as a spermicide, helping to prevent fertilization.
- Paragard is the only copper-based alternative to hormonal IUDs available in the US, which contributes to its popularity and widespread usage.
- It’s advertised as longer-lasting than hormonal IUDs, claiming to be effective for up to 10 years.
- Paragard IUDs have been breaking inside women’s bodies, leading to severe injuries and lasting, painful complications such as infections and needed revisional surgeries.
- Other injuries and side effects associated with the Paragard IUD include perforation of the uterus, migration of the device, copper wire left in body, pelvic pain, expulsion, scarring, and organ damage.
- Since 2010, the FDA has received more than 2,800 reports of unexpected Paragard breakage, perforation, and migration. The manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, is facing lawsuits alleging they failed to warn patients that Paragard IUDs can break during removal.
- Complaints from the plaintiffs include allegations that over the past 11 years, Teva and Cooper had been notified of thousands of breakages but failed to disclose the risks in Paragard marketing and labeling.
- An investigative report conducted by Sinclair Broadcast Group earlier this year uncovered that since 2013, there have been 3,186 reports of “device breakage”, 1,910 of which were deemed “serious”. Of those, 102 led to hospitalization and life-threatening complications.
- There are currently 1,018 Paragard lawsuits in the MDL class action.
- Earlier in 2022, a Georgia federal judge has decided not to throw out claims made by nearly 500 plaintiffs alleging defective Paragard birth control devices broke inside their bodies.
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