Bayer’s Claims for Mirena Misleading, According to FDA 

Mirena IUD, which its manufacturer Bayer calls an IUC or intra-uterine contraceptive, is currently being advertised to women in the United States as a high-tech, put-it-in-and-forget contraception device good for five years. Mirena was designed by Bayer to release a type of progestogen known as levonorgestreal straight into the uterus. Levonorgestreal has been known to make the cervical lining and cervical mucus more hostile thus making the user less prone to become pregnant. In some patients ovulation is also stopped, but this is not the case in all women. 

While Mirena IUD is being marketed as a leave-in-and-forget- about-it contraceptive, many women have already begun to show side effects. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a letter sent to Bayer in 2009, the claims that patients who use Mirena would show increased levels of intimacy and romance were misleading and overstated the proven effectiveness of the product.  The FDA further goes on to say that they were “not aware of any evidence suggesting that women who use Mirena for birth control look great and feel great.” The truth is that Mirena can actually cause harm to the user.

Common side effects of Mirena IUD use include mild spotting, adult acne, vaginal infection, and inflammation of the pelvis. Doctors say that these side effects may be controlled by medication and should not pose a threat to the patient.  There however patients who have begun to complain of more severe complications such as constant migraines, hair loss, loss of libido (sex drive), painful intercourse, heart palpitations, and mood swings. It is advised that if you are experiencing any of these side effects, you see a physician as soon as you can to prevent these side effects from getting worse. 

Many women who have been suffering from the side effects of Mirena IUD simply choose to have the device removed from their bodies. However, this is also a risky move as it requires surgery and at times the IUD has already become logged in the patient’s body, causing further damage. 

Mirena’s manufacturer Bayer will advise that only one out of 100 women who use Mirena actually become pregnant, the possible side effects the device can sway women from using it. If you would like use Mirena as your primary birth control method consult your doctor first for more information.

URL References:

steadyhealth.com/Mirena_IUD_Side_Effects_t133005.html