Implanon Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced serious complications including device migration, blood clots, or unexpected pregnancy following Implanon birth control implant use, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to this defective contraceptive device.

Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Implanon Lawsuit Overview

Implanon lawsuits focus on serious complications caused by this contraceptive implant, primarily device migration that makes removal impossible and increases risks of life-threatening conditions.

The litigation alleges that Merck and its subsidiary Organon failed to adequately warn patients and physicians about the potential for the device to migrate throughout the body, becoming irretrievable.

An estimated 500,000 women in the United States use the Implanon birth control implant, according to the FDA.

The legal actions also claim the manufacturers knew about these risks but concealed them while misrepresenting Implanon as a "completely reversible" birth control option.

Additionally, studies have shown that non-oral hormonal contraceptives like Implanon increase the risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, by as much as 40%.

Latest Implanon Lawsuit Updates

March 2025 – A federal judge has certified a class action lawsuit against Merck & Co. for women whose Implanon devices migrated and became irretrievable, allowing thousands of affected women to join the litigation without filing individual cases.

January 2025 – The MDL panel consolidated over 600 Implanon migration cases for pretrial proceedings in New Jersey federal court, streamlining the litigation process for cases involving similar complications.

November 2024 – New medical research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirmed that the migration risk of Implanon is significantly higher than previously reported, strengthening plaintiffs' claims that Merck concealed the true scope of the problem.

Related Article: Symptoms of IUD Perforation

Implanon Device and Health Risk Statistics

Key statistics regarding Implanon usage and associated health concerns:

• Approximately 500,000 women in the United States use the Implanon birth control implant
• A 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal found that subcutaneous contraceptives like Implanon have a 40% greater risk of blood clots compared to non-hormonal contraception
• In the UK, officials reported that nearly 600 women became pregnant after receiving Implanon implants, raising concerns about effectiveness
• The FDA has received hundreds of reports of device migration, with some implants found in blood vessels and even the lungs
• According to the National Center for Health Research, migration issues were serious enough that Merck made major changes to the product, rebranding it as Nexplanon with added barium for better visualization [1]

Implanon Complications & Side Effects

Implanon, a rod-shaped implant containing the synthetic progestin etonogestrel that is placed in a woman's upper arm, can cause a range of side effects from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening complications.

Severe Medical Complications

• Device Migration: The implant can move from its insertion site, becoming irretrievable and potentially traveling to blood vessels, lungs, or other body parts, requiring complex surgical procedures for removal
• Blood Clots: Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly
• Cardiovascular Events: Heart attack or stroke resulting from blood clots that travel to the heart or brain
• Vascular and Organ Damage: Damage to blood vessels and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to permanent injury
• Failed Contraception: Unexpected pregnancy, including the risk of dangerous ectopic pregnancies

Other Side Effects

• Hormonal Effects: Nausea, bloating, dizziness, unexplained weight gain, and mood changes
• Skin and Tissue Reactions: Breast tenderness, acne, scarring at insertion site
• Reproductive System Issues: Irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal irritation or discharge

There have been reports of migration of the implant within the arm from the insertion site, which may be related to deep insertion - the warning states. There also have been post-marketing reports of implants located within the vessels of the arm and the pulmonary artery, which may be related to deep insertions or intravascular insertion. In cases where the implant has migrated to the pulmonary artery, endovascular or surgical procedures may be needed for removal.

According to ScienceDirect, few adverse side effects have been experienced among adolescents using the transdermal patch or vaginal ring.

Aversive side effects associated with hormonal injections include acne, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities. [2]

Do You Qualify for an Implanon Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Implanon lawsuit if:

• You received an Implanon birth control implant
• You experienced device migration, with the implant becoming difficult or impossible to locate and remove
• You suffered blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, while using Implanon
• You required surgery to locate and remove the migrated implant
• You became pregnant despite having an active Implanon implant
• You experienced vascular or organ damage related to the implant or its removal

Evidence Required for an Implanon Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you'll need:

• Medical records confirming Implanon insertion
• Documentation of complications (device migration, blood clots, etc.)
• Imaging scans (MRI, CT scan, X-ray) showing device location or migration
• Records of surgical procedures to locate or remove the implant
• Doctor's notes describing complications related to the device

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Implanon lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care
• Lost wages from time off work due to complications
• Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
• Costs associated with an unplanned pregnancy (if applicable)
• Punitive damages to punish the manufacturer for negligence

Implanon FDA Warnings

In March 2016, the FDA issued a safety warning regarding Implanon, highlighting several serious concerns:

• Reports of device migration beyond the insertion site
• Cases of implants found in the lungs and blood vessels
• Warnings about the risks associated with surgical removal, including vascular damage
• Acknowledgment that migration may be related to improper deep insertion

Despite these warnings, Merck continued marketing Implanon while developing Nexplanon, a newer version that includes a barium rod to make it visible on X-rays.

However, lawsuits allege that Merck failed to adequately warn about migration risks with the original Implanon device.

There have been reports of migration of the implant within the arm from the insertion site, which may be related to deep insertion - the warning states. There also have been post-marketing reports of implants located within the vessels of the arm and the pulmonary artery, which may be related to deep insertions or intravascular insertion. In cases where the implant has migrated to the pulmonary artery, endovascular or surgical procedures may be needed for removal.

Implanon Migration Class Action Lawsuit

A significant class action lawsuit has been filed against Merck and its subsidiary Organon, alleging that Implanon can migrate through the body, becoming irretrievable and exposing women to serious health risks.

The lawsuit includes plaintiffs Brook Reynolds, Robert Reynolds, Julie Reynolds, Jenni Akins, Major Akins, and Ruby Ginns, who share similar experiences:

• Brook Reynolds received an Implanon implant in May 2012, but when she went to have it removed in July 2014, physicians could not locate it
• The device remains irretrievable in her body, putting her at risk for complications including ectopic pregnancy and vascular damage
• Similar experiences were reported by Ruby Ginns and Jenni Akins, who had implants inserted in 2012 that later could not be located

The complaint asserts multiple legal claims against the manufacturers:

• Manufacturing and designing a defective medical device
• Failure to warn about migration risks
• Strict liability
• Negligence and fraud by concealment
• Fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of warranty
• Infliction of emotional distress and loss of consortium

The lawsuit seeks both punitive and compensatory damages for the affected women and their families.

Other Birth Control Devices Linked to Blood Clots

Several other birth control methods have been associated with increased blood clot risks:

• Nexplanon (the newer version of Implanon)
• Essure Permanent Birth Control
• Yaz oral contraceptives
• Beyaz oral contraceptives
• Yasmin oral contraceptives
• Ocella oral contraceptives

Related Article: Paragard IUD Lawsuit

Statute of Limitations for Implanon Lawsuits

The timeframe for filing an Implanon lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from two to four years.

This period generally begins from:

• The date you discovered your implant had migrated
• The date you were diagnosed with a blood clot or other serious complication
• The date you learned your complication might be connected to the Implanon device

Because these deadlines vary by state and circumstances, it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing complications to preserve your legal rights.

Related Article: Symptoms of IUD Perforation

FAQs

1. How long do I have to file an Implanon lawsuit?

The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from two to four years from the date you discovered your injury or its connection to Implanon. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline specific to your situation and location.

2. What evidence do I need to support my claim?

Important evidence includes medical records documenting Implanon insertion and complications, imaging scans (MRI, CT, X-ray) showing device location or migration, doctor statements about your condition, and proof of surgeries or treatments related to complications.

3. How much does it cost to file an Implanon lawsuit?

There are no upfront costs to file an Implanon lawsuit. These cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful and you receive compensation. The attorney's fees are a percentage of the recovery amount.

4. What if I no longer have my Implanon implant?

You can still pursue a claim even if your implant has been removed or cannot be located. Medical evidence such as doctor records, surgical reports, ultrasounds, and past prescriptions can support your case and demonstrate the link between Implanon and your injuries.

5. What are the main allegations in Implanon lawsuits?

The main allegations include that Merck failed to warn about risks of device migration and blood clots, misrepresented Implanon as "completely reversible," manufactured a defective medical device that can become irretrievable, and caused unnecessary pain, suffering, and medical expenses through their negligence.

See all defective medical devices torts we've taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for complications related to Implanon. Depending on your state, you may have as little as two years from the date you discovered your injury to file a claim.

At Schmidt & Clark, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced attorneys who understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in birth control device litigation

Don't wait until it's too late to seek the compensation you deserve. The first step toward justice is understanding your legal options.

Start Your Free Case Review Now

References:

1. https://www.center4research.org/nexplanon-prevents-pregnancy-goes-missing/

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/progestin-implant