Louisiana Woman Says Birth Control Implanon Caused Her to Sustain Nerve Damage

NEW ORLEANS — A Louisiana woman has sued Merck & Co. and its affiliates, alleging that their contraceptive implant Implanon caused her to sustain permanent nerve damage.

According to the April 22 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Implanon is “unsafe and unfit for use by reason of the dangers to users and plaintiff.” The complaint also names Schering-Plough Corp. and Organon USA Inc. as defendants.

In July 2012, plaintiff Tameka Lewis received Implanon via arm insertion, according to the complaint. Prior to that time, Lewis had received birth control injections with no …