Bayer announced last week that it is discontinuing production of Essure—a birth control implant which has caused problems to women across the country.  Despite Bayer’s refusal to negotiate at present, Greensboro Law Center is taking these cases against the drug manufacturer. 

What is Essure?

Essure is a permanent birth control solution for sterilization that does not require invasive surgery and has been advertised as safer, less expensive and easier to use method compared to invasive surgeries for women who want a permanent solution.. Rather, it is an outpatient procedure where bendable coils are placed in the fallopian tubes, then they are passed through the vagina, cervix, and uterus. Scar tissue forms, preventing any insemination from occurring. However, many women have now developed serious health complications, including life-threatening side effects. Over the years, more than 750,000 women have had the Essure device implanted. This medical device originally was designed and manufactured by a company called Conceptus. It was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 2002. Bayer eventually took over this device’s manufacture.

The FDA has received countless adverse reports since 2004. One of the top complaints reported is that the Essure device moved and punctured the woman’s uterus or fallopian tubes. As a result of this injury, about 100 women needed to have hysterectomies conducted so that the Essure device could be removed. Another serious complaint is from the doctors, that the device broke when it was being inserted. Another issue that occurred fairly often is that women had allergic reactions to Essure after it was inserted.

The Dangers of Essure

There is mounting evidence that Essure is quite harmful to women in general. The FDA has been piecing together studies, complaints that were submitted through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting System, testimonials from the Internet, and an investigation which was conducted by the FDA themselves. On the record, the FDA has stated that they looked into any reports of health issues five years or more after placement. They claimed not to have found any evidence of new or significant complications affecting a large group of individuals. However, women have remained vocal about their injuries and various health issues related to Essure. They have spoken out regarding this matter. Essure Lawsuits are being filed against Bayer Industries in the hopes of the women receiving compensation for the pain and suffering that they have undergone.

More than 1500 claims have been filed against Bayer, where women have asserted that the company was aware of the damage and healthcare risks of it’s Essure products, and has intentionally disregarded the ever growing evidence that shows the product to be dangerous. If Bayer Healthcare is taking the same position in this new round of claims as in others, plaintiffs will be in for a long and protracted legal fight, with Bayer being an unwilling party to come to the table for any worthwhile discussions.

If you or a loved one had Essure implanted and suffered a serious side effect, contact our Essure lawyers today. We offer free evaluations to talk about what happened to you and your legal options. Call the Greensboro Law Center and ask for Drew Brown at 336 -478-6000.