In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of how certain companies have failed to adequately warn female consumers about the risks associated with their products and medicines. From pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, several high-profile cases have highlighted the negligence of corporations in protecting women’s health.
The most recent example is Pfizer’s failure to warn millions of users of Depo-Provera about the injection’s increased risk of causing brain and spinal cord tumors (meningiomas). When research revealed the risk in March 2024, Pfizer said, “We are aware of this potential risk.” The Women’s Health Litigation Team at Anapol Weiss is currently preparing lawsuits against Pfizer to secure justice for the women harmed by Depo-Provera. Women who have brain or spinal cord tumors/meningiomas and were on Depo-Provera for a year or more are encouraged to contact the Women’s Health Litigation Team to schedule a free consultation of their case.
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866-609-7331Below, we explore some notable instances where women were exposed to serious harm due to the lack of proper warnings and transparency from manufacturers.
1. Johnson & Johnson: Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer
One of the most widely known examples of corporate failure to warn female consumers is the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder scandal. For decades, Johnson & Johnson marketed its talc-based products, including Baby Powder, as gentle and safe for use. Many women used these powders as part of their daily hygiene routines, especially in the genital area.
However, numerous lawsuits emerged claiming that the prolonged use of talcum powder is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Internal company documents revealed that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the potential cancer risk associated with their product but failed to inform consumers. As a result, thousands of women developed ovarian cancer, and the company has faced billions in legal settlements. [Anapol Weiss attorneys are among the leaders on the national Talc Powder Multi-District Litigation against Johnson & Johnson. ]
2. Yaz and Yasmin Birth Control Pills: Blood Clot Risks
Bayer, the manufacturer of the birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin, marketed these contraceptives as a modern, safe solution for birth control and acne treatment. What many women were not warned about, however, were the heightened risks of developing blood clots, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular events.
While all hormonal contraceptives carry some risk of blood clots, Yaz and Yasmin were linked to a significantly higher rate due to the synthetic progestin drospirenone. Many women who used these pills were unaware of the severity of the risks, as early marketing materials downplayed the dangers. Eventually, Bayer settled thousands of lawsuits brought by women who suffered from life-threatening complications.
3. Essure: The Birth Control Implant Disaster
Essure, a permanent birth control implant developed by Bayer, was marketed as a non-surgical alternative to traditional sterilization methods like tubal ligation. It was heralded as a simple and safe way for women to achieve permanent contraception without invasive surgery. Unfortunately, thousands of women reported severe complications after the device was implanted, including chronic pain, organ perforation, and allergic reactions.
The complaints were so numerous that the FDA eventually issued a black box warning for Essure, the most severe warning the agency can require. However, by this time, many women had already suffered irreversible damage. Bayer discontinued Essure in 2018, but the lawsuits and health consequences for the affected women continue.
4. Breast Implants: The Breast Implant Illness Debate
For decades, women have opted for breast implants either for cosmetic reasons or post-mastectomy reconstruction. However, there has been ongoing debate and controversy over the safety of these implants. Many women have reported experiencing "Breast Implant Illness" (BII), a range of symptoms including chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and autoimmune issues.
While the connection between silicone and saline implants and systemic illness is still being studied, manufacturers did not adequately warn women about the potential for such adverse effects. Additionally, textured breast implants have been linked to a rare form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), further raising concerns about the lack of transparency in the breast implant industry.
5. Transvaginal Mesh: A Widespread Medical Disaster
Transvaginal mesh, a medical device used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), was touted as an innovative solution for women suffering from these conditions. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, and C.R. Bard marketed transvaginal mesh products as safe and effective alternatives to more traditional treatments.
However, many women experienced debilitating complications, including chronic pain, infection, mesh erosion into organs, and even life-threatening injuries. Lawsuits revealed that manufacturers were aware of the risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to both consumers and healthcare providers. The FDA eventually reclassified transvaginal mesh as a high-risk device, and multiple manufacturers faced massive settlements.
Kila Baldwin, one of the leaders of the Anapol Weiss Women’s Health Litigation Team, has secured more than $180,000,000 from Johnson & Johnson for women with catastrophic injuries due to transvaginal mesh implants. Watch this Just Verdicts podcast episode entitled “Winning Massive Verdicts on Transvaginal Mesh Cases with Kila Baldwin.”
6. Paragard IUD: Device Breakage and Injuries
The Paragard IUD, a non-hormonal copper intrauterine device, was marketed as a long-term, reversible birth control option. Many women chose Paragard for its simplicity and effectiveness, believing it to be a low-risk contraceptive option. Unfortunately, a significant number of women have reported device breakage during removal, which can lead to injuries, infection, and the need for surgical intervention.
Despite these reports, many women were not warned about the potential for device breakage and the serious complications that could result. Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer, alleging that the company failed to properly test the device and did not warn consumers about the risks.
7. Anti-Depressant Risks in Pregnancy: SSRI Drugs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, are some of the most widely used medications globally. However, these drugs, including Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil, have been linked to birth defects and other complications when taken during pregnancy. Women who used these drugs during pregnancy were often not fully informed of the potential risks to their developing babies.
Some studies have linked SSRIs to an increased risk of congenital heart defects, pulmonary hypertension, and developmental disorders in newborns. Several pharmaceutical companies have faced lawsuits from women who allege they were not adequately warned about these risks during their pregnancies.
Conclusion: A Call for Greater Corporate Accountability
These cases highlight a troubling pattern of negligence where companies fail to provide female consumers with crucial information about the risks of using their products. Whether due to concerns over profits, marketability, or simply a lack of proper research, these failures have resulted in devastating consequences for thousands of women.
As these lawsuits and medical disasters come to light, there is growing pressure on companies to prioritize transparency and consumer safety. Women deserve to be fully informed about the products and medicines they use, especially when their health and well-being are at stake. Greater regulatory oversight, stricter labeling requirements, and a commitment to rigorous safety testing are essential to preventing future harm and ensuring that women can make informed decisions about their health.
Click to learn more about the Anapol Weiss trial attorney teams on the Depo-Provera Lawsuits, Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits, and Talc Powder Lawsuits.
