Ethicon’s Hernia Device Physiomesh is Linked to Dangerous Complications

Johnson & Johnson, the pharmaceutical giant, is no stranger to lawsuits. It has been sued over talcum powder and its purported link to ovarian cancer and metal and metal hip implants. Its subsidiary Ethicon, so long the subject of transvaginal mesh litigation, is also under fire for Physiomesh, a product intended to prevent hernias.

We have written in the past about how Ethicon’s mesh products are the subject of thousands of lawsuits brought by women who are claiming it punctured organs, caused chronic pain and even death.

Ethicon’s Physiomesh product is also made from polypropylene, the same material as transvaginal mesh. The flexible polypropylene mesh is intended to reinforce the abdominal wall, preventing future hernias from occurring.

Although Ethicon has maintained Physiomesh is safe, in May 2016, it issued a market withdrawal.

In a letter to healthcare providers, Ethicon revealed it was pulling the mesh after a review of data that had not been published from European registries. The research pointed to a discrepancy between Physiomesh flexible composite and the other meshes in the registries after hernia repair.

Ethicon based in New Jersey said the higher revision rates were due to a “multifactorial issue.”

Alleged Physiomesh Side Effects Lead to Lawsuits

We were concerned to read about reports that Physiomesh is causing serious complications in some patients.

Studies in Denmark and Germany pointed to high rates of hernia recurrence in patients who were implanted with Physiomesh compared to similar devices.

Lawsuits are starting to trickle in related to Physiomesh. A woman from Florida claimed the hernia mesh migrated in her body and blocked her intestines, causing serious health complications. The polypropylene became embedded in her abdominal wall, the lawsuit claims.

A man from Illinois is suing Ethicon. He claims Physiomesh led to abscesses, infections, and an intestinal fistula. A trial is set for early 2018.

Given that Physiomesh is made from the same material as transvaginal mesh products that have resulted in massive jury verdicts against Ethicon, we are concerned about the safety of this medical product.

If you believe you have been harmed by a dangerous drug or a medical device, it’s important not to wait too long to seek legal help. Our Virginia dangerous medical device lawyers will evaluate your case and help you join a lawsuit. Call me today at (757) 333-3333.