Paragard is a form of IUD used by women for over 15 years. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Paragrad was approved by the FDA in 1984 and has been in the market since 1988. It’s made by Bayer and is marketed as an effective means of birth control. It works the same way as other IUDs but has some special features that make it more appealing to some women than other options on the market.
However, Paragard users may have been harmed by their birth control device because of defective packaging or manufacturing defects that could lead to infection or injury if not guarded against properly. This article will explain what happened with this lawsuit so you know exactly what your rights are if you’re also affected by this issue.
What Is Paragard?
Paragard is a long-term birth control device inserted into the uterus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. It’s made up of two flexible T-shaped plastic pieces and copper. The plastic part stays out in your body while the copper sits inside your uterus, where it can do its job without getting in the way or causing discomfort.
According to Medline Plus, such birth control devices can also be used in emergency contraception, wherein a copper IUD is placed similarly within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
Paragard has been around since 1988, but it wasn’t until recently that lawsuits started cropping up against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Paragard. The manufacturers are accused of not educating the users about the potential health impacts of using Paragrad.
What Is the Paragard Lawsuit?
The Paragard lawsuit is a legal action against Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals by plaintiffs who claim that their IUD increased their risks of developing cancers.
The plaintiffs allege Bayer distributed defective devices and failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of using these products. They also allege that they suffered severe injuries from using these products. Some have even had hysterectomies after being unable to get pregnant after removal surgery due to damage caused by their IUDs.
Anyone who has used Paragrad and developed ovarian cancer or some other forms of cancer due to it can file a Paragrad lawsuit. If the connection between cancer and Paragrad is proven, you will get reasonable compensation for the problems you have faced because of using the product.
Alleged Side Effects and Patient Experiences
The use of IUDs, in general, has several side effects. For instance, women using IUDs can experience:
- Painful periods and cramping
- Weight gain or loss
- Heavy menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days in a row is known as menorrhagia.
In addition to these common side effects, some patients have reported experiencing less common ones, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, a recent survey has revealed that 0.6 % of women who had the device inserted experienced perforation of their uterus within five years.
However, when talking specifically about Paragrad, it can lead to ovarian cancer. Multiple studies have associated This device with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Besides, broken or defective Paragrad can also lead to multiple health consequences.
According to TorHoerman Law, potential injuries from a broken Paragrad device include the following:
- Internal bleeding
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Organ damage, etc.
Who Is Eligible for the Paragard Lawsuit?
If you’re a woman who was implanted with Paragard between 2002 and 2016, you are eligible for the Paragard lawsuit. To qualify, your doctor must have planted the IUD during this period. If you were implanted outside of those dates or locations, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to participate in this lawsuit.
You must also have experienced one or more side effects listed above. If you are experiencing any of the listed health consequences after using Paragrad and you can prove it, you are eligible to file a Paragrad lawsuit.
How Can I Participate in the Paragard Lawsuit?
To participate in the Paragard lawsuit, you must:
- File a claim by mail. You can download the claim form from the settlement website and mail it back to the claims administrator.
- File online through their website. You’ll need access to an internet connection and be able to upload scanned copies of any relevant documents before submitting your completed application online.
How Much Will I Receive from the Settlement Fund?
The settlement fund has yet to be finalized, but if you have a confirmed case of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an ectopic pregnancy that can be linked back to Paragard use, you could receive a reasonable settlement amount.
If your injury is severe enough and requires hospitalization, surgery, or other medical treatment beyond what was outlined in the original claim form, you may also receive additional compensation.
Current Status and Developments
The Paragard lawsuit is ongoing, but the latest developments suggest a settlement agreement may be on the horizon. The FDA has not recalled Paragard and has not issued a safety alert. However, it is monitoring the situation closely and monitoring postmarketing studies of Paragard to determine any new risks associated with using this IUD.
Patient Rights and Legal Considerations
As a patient, you can participate in the Paragard lawsuit. You also have the right to refuse to participate in it. If you choose not to join this class action litigation and would like more information about how it might affect your situation, please consult an attorney.
The following are some important considerations:
- Patients who do not wish to file their claims may still be eligible for compensation if Paragard IUDs injure them and meet specific criteria. These individuals may still be able to receive compensation through an arbitration process. The arbitration will determine whether each claimant is entitled under applicable law. However, there is no guarantee that any particular claimant will receive money from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Regulatory Response and Safety Measures
In response to the Paragard lawsuit, the FDA has implemented several safety measures. These include:
- A review of all available data relating to Paragard and its potential risks.
- The addition of new warnings on the label about these risks.
- A requirement is that healthcare providers counsel patients on these risks before they get their IUD inserted or removed by a clinician who knows how to identify and treat them if they occur.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the Paragard lawsuit and its implications. As always, we encourage you to research and make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate in the settlement.
