What Is the Mirena Crash?

An estimated two million women worldwide use Mirena, a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). Mirena is the most prescribed IUD in the United States. However, it does have several side effects that have led to many women having the device removed as a preventative measure.

However, even after having a Mirena IUD removed, many women have suffered from what has become known as the “Mirena crash.”

Understanding the Mirena Crash

An IUD is a birth control device that is implanted into a woman’s uterus. Mirena works by releasing hormones into the body, specifically, progesterone. Progesterone thickens the cervical mucus and prevents sperm from entering the body after sex. Some of the most common complications associated with Mirena include:

• Neurological disorders
• Painful cramping
• Device migration
• Organ perforation
• Mental health issues
• Fatigue

Removing the Device Can Be Dangerous

When the Mirena IUD is inside the uterus, the body stops producing its own progesterone. It relies on the device to deliver the hormone. However, when the device is removed, it can create a significant hormonal imbalance in the body. This imbalance has been attributed to severe adverse health events in women – this is called the Mirena crash.

The hormonal imbalance has caused serious emotional distress in patients who have removed their Mirena IUD. Women who have had their devices removed have reported:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Uncontrollable emotions
• Irritability

Due to these side effects of Mirena removal, many women have struggled with behavior issues, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Other complications associated with a Mirena crash include:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Loss of interest in life
• Pain during sex

Did the Manufacturer Ever Warn Women of These Effects?

Bayer is the maker of Mirena, and they never warned women of the potential complications of removing the device. The company, however, has steadfastly maintained that the Mirena IUD is safe to use. They deny that any of the adverse health conditions reported are associated with Mirena’s removal.

Many women have decided to file lawsuits against Bayer. In California, Bayer and other pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to ensure they supply safe medical devices to consumers. Not only do they have to inform patients of the potential side effects associated with using the device, but they also must provide warnings to patients about what happens when use discontinues.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for These Cases?

When dealing with medical device lawsuits, we have to look at a few different statutes of limitations that could apply. First, if a product liability lawsuit is filed, plaintiffs (the victims) generally have two years from the date they were injured or became ill to file a lawsuit.

With Mirena crash cases, we also have to consider that they could be medical malpractice issues. This could be the case if your doctor did not provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding Mirena. In California, injured patients have three years from the date the injury or illness occurred or one year after they discover the injury or illness to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Speak to an Attorney

If you or a loved one have experienced the Mirena crash after having the IUD removed, please speak to our Miami personal injury attorneys about how to proceed with your case. You could be entitled to significant compensation for what has happened.