LitPRO
Paragard is a hormone-free, T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) that doctors place in the base of a woman’s uterus. The device’s body is plastic, a portion of which is wrapped in copper wire, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
The manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, claims that the device can last up to 10 years once it is placed inside the uterus. Like other IUDs, Paragard is removable. Plaintiffs, however, allege that the device can break apart inside the uterus, especially during removal, leaving plastic shards that get stuck in the uterus and require surgery to remove. Complications with Paragard may include IUD breakage upon removal, infertility, surgeries, hysterectomy, and death.
Following its original FDA approval in 1984, Paragard was given only to women in monogamous relationships with one child. After 2005, recommended patients were expanded to women in all stages of reproductive life from the age of 16 to menopause.
Because the plaintiff population consists solely of women of varying ages, all types of healthcare liens–such as Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, and military health insurance–are possible in this litigation.
