Mirena IUD Breast Cancer Risk Results in Class Action Lawsuit Against Bayer
On top of previous problems with the birth control implant, such as organ perforation, Bayer now faces claims of Mirena IUD breast cancer risks.
Bayer faces a class action lawsuit that alleges women face an increased risk of breast cancer from the Mirena IUD birth control implant.
The complaint (PDF) was filed by Priya Sidhu on March 14 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking class action status to pursue damages for women who received the device.
The Mirena IUD is a small, t-shaped device that is placed into the uterus to provide long-term protection against pregnancy for up to five years. The polyethylene frame contains a steroid reservoir that releases levonorgestrel, which is a second generation progestin.
According to Sidhu’s lawsuit, side effects of the Mirena IUD cause some women to develop breast cancer, indicating that she never would have agreed to have the birth control implanted if information about the risks were had been shared with patients or the medical community.
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Learn More“Plaintiff and Class Members relied on Defendant’s representations concerning the Product, including Defendant’s specific enumeration of risks that the Product carried,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff and Class members would not have purchased the Product— or, at minimum, would have paid significantly less for the Product—had Defendant disclosed that the Product carried with it a significantly elevated risk of breast cancer.”
The lawsuit claims Bayer knew about the increased breast cancer risks for years; since studies dating back to at least 2010. More recently, in 2014, Finnish researchers published a study in Obstetrics & Gynecology which found that women who receive the Mirena IUD to treat heavy periods may face a greater risk of breast cancer.
The researchers saw a nearly 20% increase in the risk of breast cancer with levonorgestrel IUDs.
Mirena is the best selling IUD in the United States. However, only a few variations of the long-term birth control implants are on the market, including Mirena and Skyla, as well as the ParaGard, which does not release levonorgestrel.
In prior years, Bayer has already faced thousands of Mirena IUD lawsuits over various problems with the implant, involving allegations that the drug maker failed to adequately warn about potential side effects of the IUD birth control. Most of the cases involve women who suffered severe internal injuries after Mirena IUD migrated out of place, resulting in perforations of the uterus and other complications.
37 Comments
KelseyOctober 31, 2024 at 3:11 pm
I’m only 32. Will have a bilateral mastectomy in one week due to invasive ductal carcinoma. This is my second Mirena after having my second child, I have had it for 6 years. The first one I had 4 years before I couldn’t find the strings. Had it removed today.
JenAugust 17, 2024 at 7:55 pm
I am a healthy 50 year old just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. It is all in my right breast and axillary lymph nodes. I am starting chemotherapy for 5 months next week and I’m told I need a mastectomy. I had a Mirena placed 3 years ago for heavy periods which ironically I had removed this past May on my own accord. I am convinced that this caused my cancer.
NancyJune 20, 2024 at 5:22 pm
my daughter in law is 34 years old and recently diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma negative 3. She is currently taking chemo for a year to try and stop cancer from spreading further. Her SSDI was turned down and she is unable to work with 6 kids. She had the Mirena IUD installed and also at one time the Nexplanon implant. She was tested to see if cancer was genetic and this[Show More]my daughter in law is 34 years old and recently diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma negative 3. She is currently taking chemo for a year to try and stop cancer from spreading further. Her SSDI was turned down and she is unable to work with 6 kids. She had the Mirena IUD installed and also at one time the Nexplanon implant. She was tested to see if cancer was genetic and this cancer was not.
WendyOctober 22, 2023 at 1:51 am
I had the Mirena hormonal IUD inserted in 2020 because I was informed that t would help control my heavy periods. Later that same year I was diagnosed with DCIS . I have no family history of breast cancer, genetic testing results came back normal. I cannot believe something that was supposed to help me control heavy periods would be the start of a nightmare. Had anyone told me that [Show More]I had the Mirena hormonal IUD inserted in 2020 because I was informed that t would help control my heavy periods. Later that same year I was diagnosed with DCIS . I have no family history of breast cancer, genetic testing results came back normal. I cannot believe something that was supposed to help me control heavy periods would be the start of a nightmare. Had anyone told me that having this thing inside of me could give me breast cancer at 39 years old I would have NEVER considered getting this IUD.
NatalieSeptember 12, 2023 at 1:36 am
Diagnosed with DCIS Er/PgR positive. Used the Mirena for 19 years. Had a lumpectomy two weeks ago and more medical decisions to make tomorrow. Having the IUD removed in one week. Can’t wait for this nightmare to be over.
AngelaSeptember 2, 2023 at 9:37 am
I recently been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and had a bilateral mastectomy with lymph node removal I am 49 years old and I have absolutely no family history of cancer I've had the Mirena since 2017
BreeJuly 18, 2023 at 5:15 pm
I was on my second round of Mirena when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I'm young with no family history. More women to learn about the risk associated with this birth control method.
MarquitaJune 21, 2023 at 12:50 pm
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+/PR+/HER2-, on
meesookJune 16, 2023 at 4:52 pm
diagnosed with invasive carcinoma after using mirena for 5 yrs
LiseJune 11, 2023 at 12:44 am
I developed a HER2+ ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma whilst I was using Mirena. I had been using Mirena for less than 12 months.
SherryJune 4, 2023 at 9:36 pm
I was diagnosed with three occurrences of IDC after Mirena use for many years. No previous history or lifestyle risk factors
CharissaMay 17, 2023 at 1:47 pm
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+/PR+/HER2-, on 5/9/2023, Mirena IUD was inserted in 2021.
NicholeApril 19, 2023 at 6:26 pm
I am 42 and igot got the marina iud that releases the hormone in May of 2022 first time in my life of even taking a birth control then discovered a lump in right breast November 2022 ..followed through with screening and got diagnosed w invasive ductle carinoma feb 3 2023 ..I only used the iud for 6 months and got breast cancer..no family history of breast cancer.. I would have never got the iu[Show More]I am 42 and igot got the marina iud that releases the hormone in May of 2022 first time in my life of even taking a birth control then discovered a lump in right breast November 2022 ..followed through with screening and got diagnosed w invasive ductle carinoma feb 3 2023 ..I only used the iud for 6 months and got breast cancer..no family history of breast cancer.. I would have never got the iud had I know the risk of it causing breast cancer
StephanieMarch 21, 2023 at 10:09 am
I used two Mirena IUDs over the time from 2009 to 2018. I am a 36 years old non smoker, no chronic conditions nor am I on any medication. I was diagnosed in December 2022 with stage 1B ER/PR+ invasive lobular carcinoma with no family history. Genetic testing confirms it wasn't genetic.
NancyJanuary 1, 2023 at 1:06 pm
I was diagnosed with breastcancer in 2013. I was 47 years old. IDC Hormone positive. I used Mirena IUD for 10 years until 2013. I used it for a medical reason. Heavy periods. I had and still have a very healthy lifestyle, no breastcancer history in the family. Did I know about this risk on forehand, I would never have used this coil. I know 5 other women who used mirena and have been diagnose[Show More]I was diagnosed with breastcancer in 2013. I was 47 years old. IDC Hormone positive. I used Mirena IUD for 10 years until 2013. I used it for a medical reason. Heavy periods. I had and still have a very healthy lifestyle, no breastcancer history in the family. Did I know about this risk on forehand, I would never have used this coil. I know 5 other women who used mirena and have been diagnosed with Dcis and IDC at a younger age.
NicoleOctober 27, 2022 at 3:22 pm
I got stage 2b breast cancer after having the Mirena in for 3 years. I’m not having any luck getting in with a class action lawsuit. How do I put my name on a list for a potential settlement? I have all my records and want justice. The company withheld information that the Mirena may cause breast cancer? I would have never done it if I’d known. Any info would be so appreciated!
CrystalOctober 17, 2022 at 11:47 am
I'm 40 years old and had used the Mirena IUD from 2014-2018. I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (HR+, HER2-) on 8.24. Genetic testing came back negative. My oncologist explained that my cancer is strictly fed by hormones. I'm scheduled to start chemo on 11.2 first before surgery. As the tumor is stuck to my skin a little, we want to shrink first to try and allow it to pull away f[Show More]I'm 40 years old and had used the Mirena IUD from 2014-2018. I was just diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (HR+, HER2-) on 8.24. Genetic testing came back negative. My oncologist explained that my cancer is strictly fed by hormones. I'm scheduled to start chemo on 11.2 first before surgery. As the tumor is stuck to my skin a little, we want to shrink first to try and allow it to pull away from the skin.
TammyOctober 16, 2022 at 9:46 pm
I was diagnosed with Invasive ductile carcinoma last Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022. ER+, HER-. I have no family history of breast cancer anywhere in my family. I had an IUD implanted in May 2021. I had a mammogram in April 2021. It was completely normal. I am in stage 1-B and will be having a double mastectomy in a few weeks. My surgeon instructed me to have this IUD removed immediately.
AlexOctober 14, 2022 at 11:43 pm
Healthy 48 year old female recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Mirena x15 years. No family history of breast cancer. Genetic testing results in a few days.
KristenOctober 9, 2022 at 4:35 pm
I was diagnosed with ER + PR +, HR2 - breast cancer (DCIS) on 10/05/2021. Up until March 2022, I had been using Mirena for approximately 6 years.
SonyaSeptember 23, 2022 at 12:01 pm
On 5/26/2022 I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2b. I am 34 years old very healthy, no family history, no crazy lifestyle of drinking, drugs or smoking. I had an IUD for 4 years is all I can think of why I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s very scary it is happening to more often to young women and to whom multiple have had IUDs because we thought they were [Show More]On 5/26/2022 I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2b. I am 34 years old very healthy, no family history, no crazy lifestyle of drinking, drugs or smoking. I had an IUD for 4 years is all I can think of why I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s very scary it is happening to more often to young women and to whom multiple have had IUDs because we thought they were safe and were never told of the increased risk for breast cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment and would like my name added to a class action lawsuit if available.
KathrynSeptember 18, 2022 at 3:15 pm
I had the Mirena IUD for close to 10 years. I was diagnosed with stage 2B HR+ HER2- breast cancer on Dec 1, 2016. I had a bilateral mastectomy, multiple surgeries, chemo & radiation. My oncologist was wanting to wait until I was finished with everything and my body healed more before removing my IUD. I finally got it removed about a year ago andjust found out my cancer had come back and has now [Show More]I had the Mirena IUD for close to 10 years. I was diagnosed with stage 2B HR+ HER2- breast cancer on Dec 1, 2016. I had a bilateral mastectomy, multiple surgeries, chemo & radiation. My oncologist was wanting to wait until I was finished with everything and my body healed more before removing my IUD. I finally got it removed about a year ago andjust found out my cancer had come back and has now spread throughout my chest and lungs. I now have terminal cancer and have been given 3-4 years to live.
CandiceSeptember 17, 2022 at 1:15 pm
I was diagnosed w Stage 3 Breast Cancer in my right breast and had a Masectomy of my right breast and lymph node dissection under my right arm out because the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under my right armpit. I had Mirena IUD for 5 years the year I was diagnosed and had it removed immediately 2 days after my diagnosis. That was my second Mirena IUD implant, my first one was dislodged and[Show More]I was diagnosed w Stage 3 Breast Cancer in my right breast and had a Masectomy of my right breast and lymph node dissection under my right arm out because the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes under my right armpit. I had Mirena IUD for 5 years the year I was diagnosed and had it removed immediately 2 days after my diagnosis. That was my second Mirena IUD implant, my first one was dislodged and had to be removed and reinserted.
JenniferSeptember 9, 2022 at 4:52 pm
I was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma in my right breast and am undergoing a mastectomy on 9/12/2022. HR+ HRT- I have used Mirena for 10 years and have no history of breast cancer in either side of my family.
AmelliaJuly 12, 2022 at 10:11 pm
I'm 49 years old and had used the Mirena IUD for heavy bleeding and pre-menopausal symptoms for nearly 12 years before being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (HR+, HER2-). No family history of breast cancer and genetic testing came back negative. My oncologist explained that my cancer is strictly fed by hormones. I've undergone a complete mastectomy on my right breast and had to have 13 ly[Show More]I'm 49 years old and had used the Mirena IUD for heavy bleeding and pre-menopausal symptoms for nearly 12 years before being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (HR+, HER2-). No family history of breast cancer and genetic testing came back negative. My oncologist explained that my cancer is strictly fed by hormones. I've undergone a complete mastectomy on my right breast and had to have 13 lymph nodes removed. I'm now facing chemo, radiation, and hormone blocking meds for years. This has been devastating for me and my family.
BinaJuly 12, 2022 at 4:26 pm
I developed breast cancer after using Mirena for 5 years. I had the cancer lump removed followed by radiation therapy.
amyJuly 1, 2022 at 4:09 pm
The mirena iud gave me beast cancer also.I had to have my breast removed.
JenniferJune 30, 2022 at 4:32 am
My friend, 42, had the mirena for over ten years. Noticed a lump in her breast and was told she had stage 3 cancer cause it spread to lymph nodes. Three doctors told her it was because of a hormone in her iud. But they didn’t take it out until a month after her original stage three diagnosis. She was supposed to start chemo last week but after the drs got her pet scan they found out it has spread [Show More]My friend, 42, had the mirena for over ten years. Noticed a lump in her breast and was told she had stage 3 cancer cause it spread to lymph nodes. Three doctors told her it was because of a hormone in her iud. But they didn’t take it out until a month after her original stage three diagnosis. She was supposed to start chemo last week but after the drs got her pet scan they found out it has spread throughout her skeletal system, (spine, sternum, hips and more), and told her they won’t be doing any treatment or surgeries, and gave her two years to live. If she would’ve known this was possible she would have never had it put in. It was a death sentence.
MariaJune 24, 2022 at 3:25 pm
I have had the Mirena IUD for 10 years. I was diagnosed in February with breast cancer. Since my diagnosis I have had surgery with lymph node removal oh, Port placement, I am currently going through chemotherapy for the next year and radiation . I am a very healthy 52 year old woman.
AmberJune 21, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Diagnosed in 2013 with aggressive ductal carcinoma. Multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation. Worst decision to get an IUD I knew nothing about. Talked into getting by my doctor. My cancer was progesterone related. ☹️
TEQUILAMay 26, 2022 at 11:58 pm
I am high risk having to get mammograms every 6months I have had mirena for almost 10 years
AngelaMay 17, 2022 at 9:09 am
Was diagnosed with breast cancer on left breast and also lymph nodes. Currently starting treatment incurring high medical bills. Don't have family history of cancer and braca test negative for genetics. Doctor and test show it's hormone related and have to take out IUD. Have been using IUD for over 8 years on second round of IUD. If I would have known cancer risk I would have never used IUD. I h[Show More]Was diagnosed with breast cancer on left breast and also lymph nodes. Currently starting treatment incurring high medical bills. Don't have family history of cancer and braca test negative for genetics. Doctor and test show it's hormone related and have to take out IUD. Have been using IUD for over 8 years on second round of IUD. If I would have known cancer risk I would have never used IUD. I have been in alot of pain and it has caused emotional suffering for me and my family. 1 year married and it's been extremely stressful
ShareeMay 16, 2022 at 6:59 am
I've had the Mirena IUD since 2012, then had it replaced in 2019. I was diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast with DCIS in November 2020. I have no family history of breast cancer and no BRCA gene mutation. It was suspicious when my gynecologist ordered that I remove my IUD immediately after receiving news of my breast cancer diagnosis.
JohannaMay 6, 2022 at 10:22 pm
I have invasive ductal carcinoma of my right breast and have had Mirena implanted since 2020.
AshleyApril 4, 2022 at 9:30 am
Stage three triple positive not genetic no history and braca negative all hormone based had iud 8 years
JoniApril 3, 2022 at 10:15 am
I developed breast cancer in my left breast after using the Mirena for almost five years. My surgeon advised me to have it removed immediately. I had the cancer lump removed and also lymph nodes, followed by several radiation treatments.
KelliMarch 18, 2022 at 5:57 pm
I now have cancer after having Mirena for ten years. No cancer in my family and genetics show no cancer. Diagnosed 9/2021 IDC with lymph node involvement and possibly IBC.