Birth Control Side Effect Drug Lawyers in Ohio

Many women and families turn to birth control drugs for a variety of reasons. The main purpose of this drug is to avoid pregnancy. However, women also use these drugs to treat health issues, such as endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, severe menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, menorrhagia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), menstrual-related migraines, and acne.

Since the development of birth control, these drugs and devices have been important medications for women around the world. Unfortunately, not all birth control drugs are created equal. While some have been designed to be as safe as possible, others carry significant risks, including that the manufacturers may not fully warn against possible side effects.

If you have suffered a serious or permanent side effect from a birth control drug or device, you should speak with an experienced Ohio drug lawyer at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. If you lost your mother, wife, or daughter as a result of dangerous birth control, it is even more important to call us immediately. Our legal team will thoroughly review your situation and explain your legal options.

Contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free consultation today.

Potentially Dangerous Birth Control Drugs

Many birth control pills, patches, rings, and other devices have been found to be safe and effective. Unfortunately, many women have experienced severe side effects due to certain birth control drugs. In some cases, medical events caused by the dangerous drug lead to death.

• Yaz: This birth control pill, produced by Bayer Healthcare, has been linked to blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attack, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease in many women. While birth control drugs consistently warn of a risk of blood clots, Yaz has been linked with a higher than normal risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration required all drugs containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, synthetic hormones, to contain a warning that the drug has a heightened risk of blood clots. Yaz is also sold as Yasmin, Beyaz, Gianvi, and Ocella.
• NuvaRing: This birth control device, which is a small circular ring, uses etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. In recent years, its manufacturer, Merck & Co., has faced numerous lawsuits regarding women’s increased risk of blood clots, DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.
• Depo-Provera: Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control method containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. In recent years, Pfizer has faced lawsuits from women who claim that the drug’s use has been linked to an increased risk of brain tumors, particularly meningiomas. These cases argue that the company failed to adequately warn users about the potential side effects.
• ParaGard: This copper intrauterine device (IUD), produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals, can lead to painful and severe complications. The metal IUD can migrate from where it is placed in the uterus and embed itself in other nearby organs. The device’s migration can lacerate tissue, cause excruciating pain, and result in organ damage. Migration can also lead to unintended pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, infections, vaginal bleeding, and other painful complications.
• Mirena: Many women claim this IUD caused them to suffer from abnormal increases in cerebrospinal fluid in their skulls, which is a condition known as pseudotumor cerebri or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This medical condition presents itself like the individual has a brain tumor and causes a number of physical and psychological side effects.
• Depo-Provera: The popular birth control shot has also been linked to pseudotumor cerebri, which can result in damage to the optic nerve and a reduction in vision.
• Essure: This medical device is a permanent form of birth control. Flexible coils are placed in the fallopian tubes where, over time, tissue forms around the coils and creates a permanent barrier between eggs and implantation. Many women have reported the device migrated out of their fallopian tubes and caused perforations to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs resulting in extreme pain. The migration can also result in unintended and ectopic pregnancies as well as fetal death. Some women have experienced allergic reactions and autoimmune responses to the device.

Black Box Warnings for Some Birth Control Drugs

The FDA uses black box warnings to provide the strongest possible warning regarding a drug’s potential side effects. A black box warning indicates a drug poses a risk of serious injury or death to patients.

All birth control drugs that contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol must carry black box warnings, including Yas, Yasmin, Beyaz, Safyral, and their generic forms.

Birth control drugs containing these synthetic hormones significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects in women, particularly for women who smoke and are older than 35 years. These side effects include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Stroke
• Death

Legal Options for Victims of Dangerous Birth Control Drugs

If you or someone you loved was seriously hurt because of a birth control pill, patch, ring, or implant, it is important to speak with an attorney about your legal options. When a birth control drug causes injuries, you may have a legal claim against the drug manufacturer. However, your options can be difficult to determine without a lawyer. An experienced attorney will review your situation to determine if there is evidence of a design, manufacturing, or warning defect.

Bringing a product liability claim based on a design defect alleges that the birth control drug was not created to be as safe as possible while remaining effective. A manufacturing defect alleges that the drug you received was not created up to the standard of the design. A warning defect means the manufacturer failed to warn potential users of the risks associated with taking the birth control drug.

Product liability claims also differ based on the theory of liability. Depending on your situation, you may file a claim based on negligence. There may be evidence that the drug manufacturer did not uphold its duty to consumers. However, your case could also be based on strict liability, which makes a manufacturer responsible for the effects of their products no matter their conduct.

Let Kisling, Nestico & Redick Help

If you were injured by your birth control, or you lost a loved one to birth control complications, call us at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. We have decades of experience with product liability claims, including those related to birth control drugs and devices. We are well-versed in the medical aspects of cases and can consult with medical experts that can help you prove your case.

Our primary goal will be to obtain you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, including for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish. To discuss your rights and legal options after suffering birth control drug complications, contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free consultation.