Bayer’s Claims for Mirena Misleading, According to FDAMirena IUD, which its manufacturer Bayer calls an IUC or intra-uterine contraceptive, is currently being packaged to women in the United States as a high-tech, put-it-in-and-forget contraception device valid for five years. The way that Mirena is designed to work is that it over-time releases a type of progestogen called levonorgestreal directly into the uterus. Levonorgestreal works as a contraceptive by turning the cervical lining and cervical mucus more unfriendly. In some women 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 letter also contains information that the FDA was “not aware of any evidence suggesting that women who use Mirena for birth control look great and feel great.” And in actuality Mirena can actually cause several side effects ranging from mild to life threatening. The commonly reported 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. Experts say that if you have begun experiencing these side effects please contact your doctor right away. An alternative that many women have to suffering from the ill effects of Mirena IUD is that to simply remove the device instead.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 are interested in using Mirena IUD for your birth control means ask your doctor for more information first. URL References: steadyhealth.com/Mirena_IUD_Side_Effects_t133005.html |
