There are a variety of birth control options for women today in the United States. Unfortunately, even with the regulation requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is always a learning curve when coming out with news ways of ingesting drugs. Recent litigation has highlighted this liability issue for many drug companies with their birth control products.
Mirena
Mirena is an intrauterine (IUD) device that is implanted into the uterus to provide birth control for several months. Problems with the device include dislocation, uterine perforation, vaginal hemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Several women have complained about needing surgery to have the device removed. Bayer, the drug maker, has also been warned by the FDA for overstating its effectiveness and misleading marketing claims.
Yaz and Yasmin
Recently, settlements have been proposed by the drug maker Bayer over their Yaz and Yasmin birth control medications. They are combination birth control drugs that also treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne. The main issue with these types of birth control is that they have been known to increase the risk of blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder problems, strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolism. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed for complications from these issues as well as their marketing claims. Studies of its effectiveness have been mixed, and Bayer has recently agreed to a settlement amount of its claims.
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is a type of birth control that is inserted near the cervix and releases hormones for about twenty-one days. Merck, the maker of the product, continues to deny that the product is ineffective. Lawsuits have found similar problems to those of Yaz. In addition to the physical injuries, the suits also alleged a failure to warn of the risk of the side effects. Recently, a $100 million dollar settlement has been agreed upon.
Beyaz
Beyaz is another type of birth control to watch. The FDA has not removed it from the market yet, instead choosing to place stronger warnings about the product on its label. Complaints have alleged a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and stroke compared to other types of combination birth control products. Studies have been conducted as to the risks of the product and the FDA will continue to closely monitor this product.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured from birth control pills please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529, askalawyer@aol.com, 1800askalawyer.com.