Did Bayer Influence Doctors to Prescribe Essure?

Oct 25,2018

In 2002, Essure was introduced to the market as a permanent birth control option—one of the only alternatives to tubal ligation. The device, made of flexile coils, is implanted into a woman’s fallopian tubes. It works by causing scar tissue to form around the coils, blocking the pathway for sperm to reach the eggs. Since Essure was introduced to the market, thousands of women have suffered serious complications from the device. Now, reports are showing that Bayer, the company who produces Essure, paid millions of dollars to doctors in relation to the device.

According to a CNN analysis, from August 2013 to December 2017, Bayer paid a total of $2.5 million out to 11,850 doctors in consulting fees and other services related to Essure. While these types of payments are legal, many see them as a way for pharmaceutical companies to influence doctors to prescribe their products.

And it seems there is a correlation. Several studies conducted by various institutions, including Harvard Medical School, have shown that doctors are more likely to prescribe drugs made by pharmaceutical companies that have paid them.

Problems with Essure

According to FDA data, an estimated 750,000 patients worldwide have been implanted with the Essure device since its approval. Bayer is facing more than 16,000 lawsuits over injuries caused by the devices. Complaints about the device include unintended pregnancy, severe pain, and migration of the coils into the pelvis or abdomen. In severe cases, some patients have had to undergo a hysterectomy to remove the device.

In August, Bayer stated it would be taking Essure off the market in the U.S. by the end of the year. It has already stopped all sales outside of the U.S.

“While Bayer continues to defend the safety of this device, it is clear that it has been harmful to many women. Additionally, the $2.5 million paid out to doctors brings the ethics of prescribing such a device into question,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a defective product and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.