ParaGard Lawsuit Filed After Copper IUD Migrated, Embedded in Colon
A Florida woman has filed a product liability lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals, alleging that she suffered sever complications from a Paragard intrauterine device (IUD), after the birth control migrated out of her uterus and embedded into her colon.
Yolanda Hudson filed a ParaGard IUD lawsuit in Florida state court on March 4, according to a recent report by Law360.com.
The complaint alleges that Hudson had the ParaGard copper IUD inserted in March 2008. Although the birth control device is designed to remain in place for up to 10 years, Hudson began experiencing severe complications a year later and it was discovered that the IUD had perforated her uterine wall and migrated outside the uterus, ultimately embedding in the colon. As a result, Hudson required surgery to have part of her colon removed.
According to allegations raised in the lawsuit, Teva Pharmaceuticals failed to adequately warn women and their doctors about the risks associated with the Paragard copper IUD, which is promoted as a safe and effective form of long-acting birth control. In addition to problems with migration, Hudson indicates that side effects of the ParaGard IUD could include intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, expulsion, Wilson Disease, vaginal bleeding, septic abortion, and other complications.
The lawsuit charges Teva with failure to warn, negligence, breach of warranty, misrepresentation, and designing a defective product. The lawsuit seeks $15 million in damages for pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life and also seeks punitive damages against the company for at least three times the compensatory damages.
Mounting Lawsuits Over IUD Birth Control
ParaGard is a copper IUD, where a T-shaped plastic frame is wrapped with copper wire coils, which is designed to produce an inflammatory reaction in the uterus that is toxic to sperm. The device is designed to remain in place for up to 10 years after insertion.
Hudson’s complaint comes amid a mounting number of similar lawsuits that have been filed over another type of IUD birth control, which is sold by Bayer under the brand name Mirena.
The Mirena IUD does not feature copper, but rather is designed to release a type of progestin after the T-shaped plastic device is inserted into the uterus.
According to similar allegations raised in dozens of Mirena IUD lawsuits filed by women throughout the United States, Bayer failed to adequately warn about the risk of migration and perforation, which has often been seen long after the device is inserted. The complaints argue that if women had been provided more detailed and accurate warnings about the risks, many severe complications from Mirena IUD could have been avoided.
82 comments
I had the Paraguard IUD inserted December of 2013 and I had it for 3 months before I got it removed. The first month I experienced severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and longer bleeding. I went to my obgyn and she did an ultrasound and said everything is fine and the IUD is in the right position. She asked me to keep it for one more month and see if I have the same symptions. I followed her direction and had it for another month. The cramping was normal and the bleeding went down. But starting February (2 months of having it), I developed joint pains which are so bad that I cound not raise my feet, arms, move figures. I got x-rays, MRIs, blood test with no avail. I research online and learnt about Copper IDU and it’s relation to copper toxicity. The very next day I got it removed. Once after I got it removed, I developed hives, swelling, more joint pains and that I go to urgent care and emergency. I feel the Paraguard company and the medical professional should educate the women better about the side effects and should stop manufacturing this poisonous product. I am going to do all I can to help spread the word and help other fellow women.
I had the Paragard IUD inserted in 2009 and in 2011 I became pregnant with it still inserted. I was sent to a specialist to have it removed, but they were unable to remove the IUD because it was embedded in the wall of my uterus. At about 19 weeks I started having cramping (contractions) and had to go to the emergency room. They were able to stop them, but I continued to have them from that point on. At 23 weeks my water broke and I went into premature labor. My primary doctor sent me to a hospital in Austin Tx were I delivered my baby. The IUD caused an infection in my placenta, which is what eventually caused me to go in to labor. My baby ended up passing away moments after delivery. Because of this event it has caused me and my family much grief and pain.
Hello im stephanie I want to share my experience with the para gaurd iud. June 27 2013 I went in to emergency room suffering with extreme lower abdominal pain. After getting a cat scan they found cyst on both of my ovaries and a very bad infection. The doctor desided to give me antibiotics a few days and then check them agian in hopes that surgery wasnt needed. During this time I sufered from very high fevers were at times I would be shivering badly and then I would be sweating like I was in the shower it was miserable. July 3 I had another cat scan the infected cyst had gotten bigger and I was going to have surgery for a full hysterectomy and my appendix removed.They had a infectious diseaese specialists doctor come in to find out the cause of my infection. They found several bacteria and that they came from the iud. I have to take antibiodics for 3 to six months and see the doctor once a month to do blood testing. I hope we can do something about this kind of thing dont happen to anyone else.
I feel for all iud users. I had my first paraguard in 2004 . No real issues. Heavier bleeding during af. Had it removed in 2008 to try to concieve. Well it took almost a yr to get pregnant again found out I was borderline anemic. Went on pill after son was born in 2009. Forgot a few in 2011 bam was pregnant again. Decided to get iud again. Went to our local birth control clinic due to insurance not wanting to cover it. Had it inserted dec 21 2011. Biggest mistake I made. Nurse pract. Inserted it. It was way more painful then my 1st i knew something was wrong she just said your body changes with age and pregnancies. I had to sit in appt area for 30 mins .I kept feeling faint light headed. Still was told it was normal. Bleed non stop. I about passed out xmas day carrying my baby down the stairs. Thank god i caught myself and held onto him for dear life. Told nurse at check up she said she could feel string its normal. I bleed for 3 months straight. Finally every 2 wks got period instead of constantly. I was constipated non stop and in pain. After breaking down and asking my mother about the constipation she said enema. I was like no way but knew how to do it from first pregnancy and meds to stop vomiting. So I did it . To my discovery there poking thru my bowel was an arm of the iud. I about freaked. Called doctor got appt for wk later. They thought I was crazy. Well told the NP. She said there’s no way ur utertus and bowel don’t line up. Gave me meds for constipation asked if I wanted it out. Said hell yea. So shr had me undress. Didnt bother to check the iud beyond the strings that were in place still. She got clamps to pull it out. It took her 3 hard painful pulls to remove it. I thought I was going to pass out then and there. Didn’t ask how I felt just threw it away and left room. Heard her joking in hall with her nurse about it and me not knowing what I was talking about. Let me tell you for month after I had blood in my stool. Went to 3 wk check up she scheduled to be told she had no idea why I was back. Aghh so now were trying to have another baby and worrying if what iud and she did to me will prevent us from having our last child. Very mad that I wasn’t warned beyond wait 6 wks if nursing to get iud I was ten almost 11 wks. They need to just not guve nursing mothers the option of iuds at all. Other drugs and items say not dor pregnant or nursing mothers this is by far one item that needs to join list. As well as my NP loosing her license. I haven’t pursuid the matter as I should have I just wanted to forget and get in doct. My cousin even got iud put in and ended uo being pregnant . Never again will I put myself thru that hell or allow any of my female friends. Its too scary and painful
I had the paraguard for 1 year while I had it I had cyat rupture heavy bleeding pain everyday to the point sometimes I couldn’t walk. The doctor keep saying its an infection pain meds and antibiotics was what he said. I had it removed and I was still in pain everyday. Finalt my Dr said we need to do surgery. I did the laproscopy and I had endometrosis. My left ovary and tube were mutilated and had to be removed. My right ovary wasn’t as bad they wanted to remove it but I wouldn’t let them because I was only 26 and fixing to get married. I had lessions that had to be burned. Now its been almost 2 yrs and I’m still in pain everyday on my left side where it was suppose to be removed. They had me on pain meds to manage the pain but just took me off of them because I refused to have another surgery. They laughed in my face because I tell them how bad I hurt and want do surgery. I haven’t been the same since the paraguard. I have depression anxiety mood swings. Sometimes I hurt so bad I can’t work. No matyer how I move there is no releif from the pain. I’m 28 yrs old with 4 kids ( only 1 is mine) and some days I cant even get out of bed. I never had problems lime this before.
I had a Paragard IUD from 2002-2008. I though this was the 5 years one, but it was the 10 years one. I went to go have it remove and the Nurse Practitioner went to put it out it broken into several pieces. She told me that the device was embedded and would have to have surgery to get it remove. I have been trying to find a lawyer, but I am not having any luck. Do anybody know if there is a class action case?
I had a Paragard IUD removed after a very long and painful 4 years. I feel like I am an old lady with achy joints and it feels like my whole body is out of tune. Since I started using this IUD I have a lot of facial hair and hair around my niples. The last couple of years were so paiful I could not enjoy my life at all. Pain all over my body. I found out today than the IUD pancured my uterus and there is a lot of inflammation.I am so disappointed that the product is offered. I hope I will be ok and my uterus will heal fast.
I had my paragaurd put in shortly after the birth of my son. I was told my body would adjust and cramps would be bad for a while but after a year and a half of terrible cramping whether or not I was on my period, my acne went nuts, and I would have extreme bleeding during my period. Also had constent head aches. I went to my doctor about it. He tried to remove it twice, second time breakin off part of the string. His RN tried a third time, this time the whole string broke. I then was sent to an obgyn who had it out in 10 seconds. … The first 3 tries were horrifying. After it was out, I was a new woman! I looked at it when the doctor left the room and took a pic. My body had ATE half the copper off of it. I regained my energy and have no more crazy unexplained headaches.
I had paragaurd and it fell out after about 3 months. My doc put another one in. I got pregnant after 11 months & had to have it removed when I was 3 months pregnant. The doc warned me that it may cause a miscarriage when they remove it. It was either have it removed and have a possible miscarriage or face other issues later in my pregnancy and deliver by c section.
The same thing happened to me. I wouldn’t sue on my own, but would join a class action lawsuit if there is one.
Samantha
I developed copper toxicity from the Paragard. Extreme weakness, muscle pains, cramps. My doctor thought I had lupus because mu creatine kinase muscle enzyme was elevated so high. After taking zinc (50 mg) daily for months, I am finally starting to feel better. Not normal, just better. I had to push to have a copper test. It’s not part of the routine blood tests. My doctor was shocked at how my copper levels were. Thank God He guided to me a solution. I would also gladly join a class action suit.
I had The IUD put in after my youngest son was born I had heavy bleeding bad stomach cramps lower back pain after it was put in then I wanted another baby. When I went to my obgyn to have it took out the tale broke in pieces and embedded into my uterus and severe bacterial infection and had to have a DNC.to get it out
Had IUD Removed in order to conceive approx. 9 years ago – trying to conceive the entire time – pursued fertility testing and multiple doctors.
Realizing we were running out of time, found a doctor who determined I was still ovulating. Found out I had a fibroid and that I could not get pregnant until I had that surgically removed. Surgeon was surprised to find a “uterine wall” mass which had grown and was attached across my uterus which also had to be removed during my surgery. Doctor said that it would be impossible to become pregnant with the “uterine wall” mass in my uterus, an embryo would not be able to implant. Doctor gave us pictures of what she found and was very surprised. We completed our IVF.
Because of the damage the Copper IUD did to my uterus, and because there was no way to detect until I had the surgery for another procedure, we did not have a chance to have a baby. My husband does not have any children. We now know all our efforts were futile and costly, without the possibility to conceive as a result of the IUD damage to my uterus.
A few weeks ago, I was having some unusual cramping and went to have it checked out. The doctor discovered one of the arms from my IUD had broken off and lodged into my uterine wall and there was green goo on the part that came out. I was told the only way to remove the piece would be to have surgery.
i am going on 29 years old at the ago of 27 i have a ParaGard IUD put in i had a 2 year old boy i was wanting to wait for 2 to 3 years before having a baby 2 but for me i never go my baby 2 because i have the ParaGard IUD put in and 5 months later it made me blood all the time no stop for over 1year… it got so bad that i had to have a vaginal hysterectomy that was 3-26-13 and then i have to go in to get more removed because the paragard iud i had put in hurt me so bad that i had so much it done and my 2st hysterectomy was just 3 months a go…… i wish i cold have one more baby but i can”t and it hurt i still have lots of pain and problems with all of it…..
Holy crap! If I had read all of these comments BEFORE I got a Paragard, I sure as hell wouldn’t have gotten one. I had mine inserted in November 2011. I know it was supposed to make your periods worse, but I would told that would eventually even out. It didn’t. My cramps were so incredibly bad, I would have to take hydrocodone several days a month to deal with them. The hydrocodone made me tired, dizzy, and barely able to concentrate at work. Sometimes it would make me vomit, but I had to take it or I would have been in constant pain.
Sick of living this way and feeling unhealthy in having to medicate my body so heavily, I went to get the device removed a few weeks ago. Like many other women here, it embedded itself into my uterus and I ended up having to get it surgically removed. THANK GOD I have insurance that covered most (but not all) of the procedure; without it, it was quoted to me as costing $10-$15K, as mentioned above. Horrible.
It’s been a few days since the surgery…hoping I don’t experience any of the life-altering affects so many of the other writers have…
I had a copper IUD 4 years ago and had nothing but infections and problems only had it for a year or less, when the doctor went to remove it the string was lost and it was embedded on my wall and had to be surgically be removed and asked at that time it I wanted to be fixed. I was not married, so was not ready to make that decision yet. But very expensive surgery for a device that was a problem and still have tons of problems now.
Become pregnant and I still have the iud inserted. …
There’s a very informative site with lots of information on how to lose weight and get rid of the mirena iud side effects and find other natural birth control options. Check out: http://mirenadetox.com/mirena-weight-gain/ Her detox has also been immensely helpful to my recovery and I seriously recommend it
I had the Paragard IUD inserted in 2003. The IUD migratied out of my uterus and embedded in my stomach. This had to be surgically removed. The IUD caused me pelvic infections. Now I have PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease, I also had one of my ovary removed, due to the complications caused by this iud.
I also used to bleed continuously while I had the IUD IN
Due to the pain and suffering caused by this IUD and the physical impairment and disfigurement it has caused. I am now INFERTILE as a result. I want to file a lawsuit.
I had the copper t iud for six years got it taken out after have rrally bad pain diring my period. N going to junel 21 with in afew months i had a cysts removed from my left ovary in may of 2013my n then had hysterectomy to have my ovaries and my uterus removed they founddidnt besides the sec cyst and one cyst on the outside of one of my ovaries and fibroids in my uterus
I am horrified at the stories I have read. I’m so sorry for the women who have suffered horrific physical nightmares.
I had my Paraguard placed inn April of 2013, 4 months after my twin girls were born. For the first few months nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I had lost much of my baby weight before the Paraguard. Then I began gaining weight very quickly. I now weigh about the same as I did when I gave birth.
I am also now suffering from unbelievable back pain and cramps daily. I started investigating side effects of Paraguard a few weeks ago when I suddenly started having anxiety and horrible mood swings. I’m also missing a lot of work bc of an insatiable exhaustion.
I have my annual pap scheduled sept 8th and I plan to have the I’d removed.
I got the paraguard in 2009. I had problems right from the start but my doctor said it was normal for cramping, bleeding, etc. I was told to give my body “time to adjust” Shortly after that I lost my insurance so having it removed wasn’t possible. I have horrible cramps and back aches every day. I have gained weight and I am depressed or emotional constantly. My spouse says my mood swings give him whip lash! I finally got insurance again and I am so scared what I am going to find out what this iud did to me.
I have had the paragard in for over a year now (July 2013), I haven’t had any problems until recently. I have been having extreme lower ab cramps for the past 4 days. I took ibuprofen but that wasn’t working at all so i took some hydrocodone that i had left from a previous ailment and it seem to lighten the cramps.
After reading these comments I’m afraid of what my outcome could be but I will be calling my obgyn first thing Monday morning to get this checked out and possibly removed.
had pargourd 360 for 7 years. got preg high risk preg if taken out fetus would of died. had to have ultrasounds twice a week to make sure it didn’t get embedded in son. he ended up in nic unit 2 weeks. almost had blood tranvusion do to the copper in my body to him from this ..
Had paraguard inserted 9 weeks ago. Went in for a string check 6 weeks after insertion and NP could not find the strings. Had an ultrasound ( a very thorough ultrasound) 2 weeks later and found out that the IUD had perforated through the uterine wall and is sitting somewhere near my ovary. Scheduled for surgery to have it removed Nov.10th
I got my paraguard inserted 2 years ago after my third babe. Cramps were bad in the beginning but a year in became worse only on my left side. I told the doc they said it was normal. Today I went in the e.r. with pain in my side so bad I was vomiting. The ultrasound tech said she could see what was causing my pain, the doc then informed me the device had migrated to my muscle an a piece broke off and was gouging my muscle wall causing my pain. They called a gyno to come in and all he did was diffuse the situation, never talked to me, just looked at the ultrasound and xray. He said was normal, suddenly went back to square one and not knowing where my pain was coming from. I asked to see the xray and ultrasound and they said no.they gave me a norco and told me to go to my gyno because “if” there was a part missing the they would be able to tell. Seemed to me like the Gyno is paid by teva pharmaceuticals and wanted to make the woman in severe pain go away. I am so upset right now.
I went 2 get my IUD (paragaurd ) removed after my dr.tried with 2 differrnt tools he told me it was stuck to my uterus. Anyone ever had an IUD stuck to your uterus? Was the procedure painful?
Had Paragard for 2 1/2 years. Scheduled to have it removed. The Paragard had become embedded and cracked when Doctor attempted to remove the Paragard. As of currently, they have yet to locate the other arm to the broken Paragard. I have the remaining pieces of the device, as well as my ultrasound images and report regarding the images from the Radiologist. They are scheduling a D/C to hopefully find the missing piece and then surgery to remove it. I was unaware that there ever was a chance that this type of thing could happen. I originally set out to get the Paragard removed because I was experiencing severe symptoms that may have been caused by the device. I.E. Severe bleeding and cramping, severe back pain, multiple infections, ect. My surgery to have my D/C preformed is next week. This is just to see if they can even locate the missing arm and determine if they can remove it at all.
Well, I guess I can say that on the bright side, I’m not alone. I was experiencing some bleeding after intercourse. I went to the doctor to see what could be causing this. The ultrasound showed the Paraguard IUD had moved down into my cervix. (I had had the IUD for a little over five years.) The doctor said she would remove it. When she pulled it out, she said, “I’ve never seen this happen before.” Not very comforting words. Only 2/3 of the device came out. One of the arms was embedded in my cervix. She dug around to try to remove the remaining piece with no luck. I was moved to the ultrasound room where she tried again. After about five minutes or so (seemed longer) of trying to grab it, she had another doctor come in to give it a try. She was unable to remove it, too. I finally couldn’t take the poking around any longer. I am now scheduled to go in and be put under for removal. Really didn’t see this coming, especially after years of it being in place.
I need her lawyer info… mine moved 3 times and is now in my colon as well and has been for a year. I’ve been dropped by 3 Texas lawyers and I need help.
I had the Paragard after giving birth to my twins in 2008, a year later I became pregnant and my doctor told me that I was having a miscarriage and it would pass, and there was no way that I could have an ectopic. A few days later I was rushed to the emergency room with intense abdominal pain. My ultrasound revealed an ectopic pregnancy with a 6-8 week old fetus, and miscarried fetus in my uterus (twins!). I had to have surgery right away and the to remove the mangled IUD and damaged part of the fallopian tube.