An Implanon side effects lawyer notes that some women are alleging that their birth control implant migrated in their body and even became lost in some cases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety announcement regarding Implanon cautioning that the implant may migrate within the vessels of the arm, to the chest wall, and even to the pulmonary artery. Affected women and their families may be eligible to pursue claims with the assistance of a bad drugs attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Implanon side effects attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
What is Implanon?
Implanon is a contraceptive implant for women. Roughly the size of a matchstick, the Implanon implant is thin plastic rod that is inserted under the skin to prevent pregnancy. The rod slowly releases etonogestrel into the body over a 3-year period. Etonogestrel is similar to a natural hormone made in your body. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. This product does not contain any estrogen.
Why do Women Choose Implanon?
As a means of contraception, Implanon is often effective. Also, many women choose Implanon over other forms of birth control because of its long-term effects; in most cases, each Implanon implant provides contraception for up to three years, without maintenance or checkups. Implanon also offers benefits including:
- It is a highly effective hormonal contraceptive option
- Once inserted, no additional action is needed to prevent pregnancy for up to three years
- It is a long-acting and reversible contraceptive option. Implanon can be used for up to three years, but can also be removed at any time
- It is a discreet hormonal contraceptive option. Most onlookers cannot see Implanon once it is inserted
Although Implanon can effectively prevent pregnancy, these implants aren’t right for everyone. In fact, Implanon lawsuits have been filed and typically involve adverse reactions and other ill-effects, some of which are life-threatening. In addition to the effects leading to Implanon lawsuits, many pre-existing conditions make this contraceptive unsafe for use. For example, women with any of the following health complications may be discouraged from using Implanon:
- Are or may be pregnant
- Have an allergy to the material or hormones used in the rod implant
- Have a personal history of serious blood clots
- Have a personal history of breast cancer
- Have liver disease
- Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Women who smoke
Implanon Migration Risk
Like other forms of contraception, Implanon is associated with a number of health risks. Implanon lawsuits are typically the result of such risks, the most significant of which is the ability for the implant to migrate from the site of the implant, and in some cases, go completely missing. After conducting a comprehensive investigation, the FDA released its latest safety warning regarding Implanon in March 2016.
The FDA warned of migration of the Implanon implant within the arm from the insertion site, which may be related to insertion of the implant deeper than is advised. According to the FDA, the implant could migrate within the vessels of the arm, to the chest wall, and even to the pulmonary artery, which, it says, could also be related to deep insertions or intravascular insertion. In cases where severe migration of the Implanon implant has occurred, surgical procedures may be needed to remove the device.
Implanon and Blood Clots
In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers suggested that most non-oral hormonal contraceptives dramatically increase a woman’s risk of developing blood clots. The study was performed over a nine year period on women ages 15 to 41, none of whom had a prior history of blood clots or related conditions. While uterine implants showed no increased risk of blood clots, subcutaneous contraceptives like Implanon increased the risks of this complication by as much as 40%.
For women using Implanon, blood clots can be life-threatening. These blood clots develop in the veins, usually in the legs, and cause permanent damage to the blood vessels and surrounding tissue. Blood clots can travel through the bloodstream and into major organs like the lungs, stomach or heart. This can lead to a variety of harmful complications, including permanent disability or death as a result of heart attack or stroke.
In addition to migration and blood clots, Implanon can lead to harmful complications including:
- Ectopic pregnancy, which can lead to internal hemorrhage
- Liver disease
- Severe allergic reaction
- Extreme high blood pressure
- Changes in menstruation, including abnormal or heavy bleeding
How an Implanon Side Effects Lawyer Can Help
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by bad drugs may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
