Following a series of complaints about the safety of Bayer Healthcare’s Essure permanent birth control device, FDA has approved key changes to the product labeling, which is intended to help patients understand the risks and benefits of the device, along with what to expected during and following the Essure procedure. Included is a boxed warning and a patient decision checklist, the latter of which the FDA encourages patients to discuss with their doctor during the process of considering sterilization options.

“The Agency wants women and health care providers to be thoroughly informed about Essure in order to make educated decisions about whether or not Essure is right for them.  Patients are encouraged to discuss all available sterilization and birth control options with their health care providers before making treatment decisions.” – FDA release

FDA continues to assess safety concerns involving Essure and as part of the process will be reviewing adverse event reports, peer-reviewed scientific literature, as well as information from patients, clinicians, professional societies, and the post-market surveillance study.

Bayer also revised physician instructions for use and patient labeling for consistency with FDA’s final guidance “Labeling for Permanent Hysteroscopically-Placed Tubal Implants Intended for Sterilization”.