What is Paragard?
What is Paragard?
Paragard is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is used for birth control. It is a small, T-shaped device made of flexible plastic and wrapped in copper wire that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. The copper on the device helps to prevent pregnancy by impeding the movement of sperm, causing it to become inactive.
How effective is Paragard?
Paragard is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a failure rate of less than 1%. It can provide contraception for up to 10 years once it is inserted.
How is Paragard different from other types of IUDs?
The primary difference between Paragard and other types of IUDs is that it does not contain hormones. This makes it a popular choice for women who want to avoid hormonal birth control options or who may experience side effects from hormonal contraceptives.
Is Paragard safe?
Paragard is generally considered to be a safe and effective form of birth control. However, as with all medical procedures, there are risks and potential side effects associated with its use. These can include cramping, bleeding, infection, and device expulsion.
There have also been reports of serious complications associated with the use of Paragard, including perforation of the uterus, migration of the device to other parts of the body, and damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Where can I get Paragard?
Paragard can only be obtained with a prescription from a healthcare provider. It is important to discuss your medical history and birth control needs with your healthcare provider before getting Paragard to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about paragard
Paragard has not been recalled, but that does not mean it did not cause you harm.
The plastic “T” frame of Paragard is made of polyethylene and barium sulfate. The frame is wrapped with a thin layer of copper around the arms and stem. Two thin monofilament polyethylene threads are attached to the bottom. Paragard is not made with natural rubber latex.
Over one thousand women have filed a Paragard IUD lawsuit claiming that they were injured when a design defect in the popular IUD caused it to fracture during removal and leave foreign objects inside their bodies.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement under which CooperSurgical will acquire PARAGARD® (intrauterine copper contraceptive), a product within its global Women's Health business, in a $1.1 billion cash transaction.
Paragard is generally safe and well tolerated, but it isn't without side effects. Most common side effects are minor and serious side effects are rare. According to Cooper Surgical, Paragard is the only IUD that has been clinically proven safe for over 30 years.
Yes. Paragard has been FDA approved in the USA for over 30 years.
ParaGard offers effective, long-term contraception. It can be used in premenopausal women of all ages, including teenagers. Among various benefits, ParaGard: Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception.
The copper IUD is hormone-free, but it still has the potential for side effects. Common Paragard side effects include longer or heavier periods, cramping, and back pain. More serious side effects - like IUD movement, infection, and ectopic pregnancy - can also occur.
There's no clear evidence that copper IUDs significantly increase the risk of copper toxicity in the blood, unless you already have a condition that affects your liver's ability to process copper. However, there may be other side effects when using a copper IUD.
Paragard Lawsuits. Paragard lawsuits are claims filed by women who say that the Paragard copper IUD is defective and the manufacturers failed to adequately warn that the device could break upon removal. The claim is subject to ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court.
Latest Paragard Lawsuit Updates
Litigation is ongoing against Paragard for injuries caused to women by the company's intrauterine device. As of October 4, 2023, there are 2,147 pending lawsuits and a total of 2,224 cases against the company in the federal court in Georgia under MDL number 2974.
Common Side Effects
You may have other side effects with Paragard. For example, you may experience anemia (low blood count), expulsion, pain during sex, spotting, prolonged or painful periods, vaginal irritation, vaginal discharge, backache, cramping or pain.
Paragard is generally safe and well tolerated, but it isn't without side effects. Most common side effects are minor and serious side effects are rare. According to Cooper Surgical, Paragard is the only IUD that has been clinically proven safe for over 30 years.
The copper IUD (Paragard) doesn't cause weight gain. Because the copper IUD is hormone-free, it doesn't have many side effects at all. Some people do have heavier, longer periods and more cramping, especially for the first few months.
Don't use Paragard if you are or may be pregnant, have fibroids, a pelvic infection including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), get infections easily, certain cancers, unexplained bleeding, Wilson's disease, or a copper allergy. IUDs, including Paragard, have been associated with an increased risk of PID.
Some women develop vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina, with Paragard. If this happens, you may notice symptoms such as itching or burning, abnormal discharge, or an unpleasant odor.
