Johnson & Johnson has told U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin that it has decided to take four of its vaginal mesh implants off the market. The announcement comes after a long history of lawsuits, complaints, and allegations over the products’ alleged defects.
According to Businessweek, over 600 women have sued J&J and its subsidiary Ethicon over their alleged manufacturing and marketing of dangerous products. These women claim that the transvaginal mesh shrunk and experienced other problems over time, requiring revision surgeries, hospitalization, and long-lasting injuries. J&J has pledged to stop sales of the Gynecare Prolift, Prolift+ M, TVT Secur and Prosima vaginal mesh systems, but has asked to continue sales of the Gyencare Gynemesh.
Transvaginal mesh has been peppered with allegations and reports of its problems over the last year. In addition to over 1,500 reports to the FDA, the agency announced last summer that vaginal mesh implants have not been proven any more effective than alternative non-mesh procedures. In January, the FDA ordered J&J and other manufacturers to study closely the possible adverse effects of the mesh products. In March, the FDA concluded that J&J distributed its Gynecare Prolift mesh for three years without agency approval. Transvaginal mesh is commonly made out of polypropylene, a form of plastic. Johnson & Johnson is the second-largest manufacturer of healthcare products in the world.
Transvaginal mesh is surgically inserted into the vagina to treat conditions including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). POP occurs when the structures that hold the pelvic organs become so weak or stretched that the organs move from their original position and prolapse into the vagina. Once the mesh is installed though, it sometimes contracts, causing complications comparable to those of the original condition. The adverse physical effects due to the contraction of the mesh are varied, including vaginal shortening, bleeding, scarring, infection, erosion, perforation, tightening and significant pain, according to reports. Last summer, the FDA reported that there is not conclusive evidence that the use of transvaginal mesh to repair POP is a more successful method than alternative non-mesh procedures.
Morgan & Morgan attorney Michael Goetz was recently appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for litigation against companies that manufactured much-maligned transvaginal mesh. Judge Goodwin, based in Charleston, named distinguished attorneys from around the United States to serve on a committee to coordinate the prosecution of personal injury claims involving transvaginal mesh, and Goetz was one of those chosen for his experience in handling such matters. This selection illustrates the in-depth knowledge of Morgan & Morgan attorneys in vaginal mesh litigation.
Although transvaginal mesh was originally intended to prevent serious pain and discomfort for women, it has allegedly done just the opposite. If you or a loved one has experienced painful complications due to vaginal mesh implants, you may be able to seek compensation through a vaginal mesh lawsuit for medical bills (present and future), lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced vaginal mesh lawyer by filling out our free, no-obligation form today.
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