Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit said it will stop selling four vaginal implant models, which are the focus of multidistrict litigation against the company on behalf of more than 600 women, who claim the medical devices caused serious internal injuries.
In a letter to a federal judge in West Virginia, Johnson & Johnson also stated that it requested approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop commercializing vaginal mesh, which is also referred to as transvaginal mesh and bladder slings. In March, however, the FDA said Johnson & Johnson had been selling its Gynecare Prolift vaginal mesh device for three years without proper regulatory approval.
That news came a mere two months after the FDA ordered Johnson & Johnson and other makers of vaginal mesh devices to study organ damage and other complications associated with the products.
Vaginal mesh is used to provide support to internal organs in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapsed and stress urinary incontinence. However, the safety of these devices came under increased scrutiny in recent years after hundreds of women reported that the mesh shrank or eroded, causing pain and injuries.
In some cases, complications necessitated revision surgery. While Johnson & Johnson said it will discontinue the worldwide sales of its vaginal mesh products, the company stated it is not recalling vaginal mesh devices already sold or surgically implanted.
If you were injured by a vaginal mesh product or other medical device, an experienced product liability attorney may be able to help you recover financial compensation for medical expenses and other related damages.
Please contact the Personal Injury Lawyer Directory to locate a qualified personal injury attorney near you.
