Paragard IUD Side Effects

Paragard is a hormone-free copper intrauterine device (IUD) that prevents pregnancy. This type of birth control is a T-shaped device with arms that bend slightly during removal. As long as the device stays intact, most side effects are minor and will ease or go away entirely within three to six months.

More serious side effects can develop if the device breaks, is implanted too deeply or moves out of proper position.

When a drug or device goes to market, the manufacturer is responsible for monitoring consumers’ experiences with the product. If doctors or patients report any new adverse side effects or safety concerns, the manufacturer must report them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA collects reports of adverse events for drugs and medical devices. Ideally, if the manufacturer receives multiple reports of these post-market, they update the product label to include new warnings. They must also notify doctors so they can tell their patients about the risks.

While this process is meant to capture critical safety issues, official warnings provided to doctors originally focused heavily on basic, everyday risks while ignoring more serious dangers.

Common Paragard listed side effects

Some of Paragard’s common side effects when the device was presented to the public included:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Backache
• Pain and cramping
• Painful or irregular periods
• Pain during sex
• Spotting between periods
• Vaginal irritation or discharge

Serious Paragard listed side effects

Serious but still common side effects listed on the label include getting pregnant while the implant is still in place. These issues could include:

• Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube or the abdominal wall. An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition and the embryo is never viable.
• Risks with intrauterine pregnancy: A normal pregnancy with the IUD places the woman at risk for septic abortion (abortion with systemic infection) or later miscarriage. The IUD can’t easily be removed once an embryo has implanted in the uterine wall.
• Group A streptococcal (GAS) sepsis: A bacterial infection that causes toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis. If the insertion of the IUD has not been sterile, GAS infection is possible and can spread rapidly.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID may result in serious tubal damage, need for surgical intervention (hysterectomy), sepsis or death. Also associated with unsterile insertion of the IUD. 
• Embedment or perforation: Paragard has been reported to become partially embedded in the wall of the uterus during insertion or even penetrate completely through the uterus. If not diagnosed immediately, this can lead to further injuries or result in pregnancy. Surgery may be required for removal. 

Patients using Paragard should tell their doctor right away if they think they might be pregnant. They should also report unusual or heavy bleeding, spotting, as well as fever, chills, discharge, and pelvic, abdominal, or long-lasting pain.

Many people have experienced their Paragard IUD breaking during or after insertion or on removal. Frequently, the broken IUD pieces can only be removed surgically. In some cases, this may impact their ability to conceive.

The side effects related to breakage are similar to those of known side effects already listed, including:

• Ectopic pregnancy: If the IUD was removed because the user intended to get pregnant, it is essential that all pieces are accounted for. IUD breakage increases the chances of ectopic pregnancy and the loss of fertility. 
• Intrauterine pregnancy: A normal pregnancy with Paragard in place is high risk. A pregnancy with an unrecognized piece of a broken IUD in the uterus may also pose risks.
• Embedment or perforation: Paragard may perforate the uterus during insertion or after breakage. Surgery is often necessary for removal.

Experiencing certain medical issues as a result of a defective IUD may make individuals eligible to file a Paragard lawsuit.

Paragard side effects have led to many patients developing serious health issues. Costs of surgery, treatment and recovery from unexpected IUD fragment removal have led to numerous lawsuits against Paragard manufacturer CooperSurgical, Inc.

These lawsuits have been consolidated into an MDL pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Motley Rice attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick was court-appointed to the Paragard MDL Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC). Kristen Hermiz was court-appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC).

The attorneys at Motley Rice have extensive experience representing plaintiffs alleging they’ve been harmed by defective devices. Our recent cases include:

• Appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) for the Depo-Provera MDL
• Acting as court-appointed lead counsel for coordinated cases involving permanent birth control device Essure®
• Acting as court-appointed co-lead counsel for the Mirena® IUD MDL
• Serving on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) for the NuvaRing® MDL

In addition to being a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) of the Paragard MDL, medical attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick served as court-appointed lead counsel of the PEC for more than 32,000 Essure® cases coordinated in California state court.

Read more on our birth control litigation experience.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. Paragard, Depo-Provera, Mirena and NuvaRing remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.