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- Important Safety Information
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Some patients implanted with the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control have experienced and/or reported adverse events, including perforation of the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, identification of inserts in the abdominal or pelvic cavity, persistent pain, and suspected allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. If the device needs to be removed to address such an adverse event, a surgical procedure will be required. This information should be shared with patients considering sterilization with the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control during discussion of the benefits and risks of the device. Continue below
Educational Program Materials
Essure Confirmation Testing using Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVU) and/or modified Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
Removal
Example Cases of Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVU) Confirmation Tests
INDICATION
Essure® is indicated for women who desire permanent birth control (female sterilization) by bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Some patients implanted with the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control have experienced and/or reported adverse events, including perforation of the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, identification of inserts in the abdominal or pelvic cavity, persistent pain, and suspected allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. If the device needs to be removed to address such an adverse event, a surgical procedure will be required. This information should be shared with patients considering sterilization with the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control during discussion of the benefits and risks of the device.
IMPORTANT
- Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Device to be used only by physicians who are knowledgeable hysteroscopists; have read and understood the Instructions for Use and Physician Training Manual; and have successfully completed the Essure training program, including preceptoring in placement until competency is established, typically 5 cases.
- The sale and distribution of this device are restricted to users and/or user facilities that provide information to patients about the risks and benefits of this device in the form and manner specified in the approved labeling provided by Bayer.
Contraindications
Essure is contraindicated in patients who are uncertain about ending fertility, can have only one insert placed (including contralateral proximal tubal occlusion or suspected unicornuate uterus), have a known abnormal uterine cavity that makes visualization of the tubal ostia impossible, and/or abnormal tubal anatomy or previous tubal ligation (including failed ligation), are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, delivered or terminated a pregnancy less than 6 weeks prior to the Essure procedure, have an active upper or lower genital tract infection, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, have a gynecological malignancy, or have a known allergy to contrast media.
General Warnings
- The Essure procedure should be considered irreversible.
- Pain (acute or persistent) of varying intensity and length of time may occur following Essure placement. This is also more likely to occur in individuals with a history of pain. If device removal is indicated. this will require surgery.
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to nickel, titanium, platinum, stainless steel, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fiber or any of the components of the Essure system may experience an allergic reaction to the insert. In addition, some patients may develop an allergy to nickel or other components of the insert following placement. Symptoms reported for this device that may be associated with an allergic reaction include hives, urticaria, rash, angioedema, facial edema and pruritus. Patients should be counseled on the materials contained in the insert prior to the Essure procedure. Currently there is no test that reliably predicts who may develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the materials contained in the insert.
- Patients on immunosuppressive therapy may experience delay or failure of the necessary tissue in-growth for tubal occlusion. For these patients, physicians must use the modified HSG as the Essure Confirmation Test. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) should not be used as the Essure Confirmation Test, as TVU cannot confirm tubal occlusion.
Pregnancy Risk
- Pregnancies, including ectopic pregnancies, have been reported among women who have undergone the Essure procedure.
- The patient must use alternative contraception until a satisfactory Essure Confirmation Test is documented. If the Essure inserts are not properly placed or are not in a satisfactory location, then the patient should be advised to not rely on Essure and use alternative contraception.
- Counsel the patient on the need for the Essure Confirmation Test, the options for the confirmation test including their risks and benefits, and the possibility that the Essure Confirmation Test may be unsatisfactory.
- Effectiveness rates for the Essure procedure are based on patients who had bilateral placement and a satisfactory Essure Confirmation Test.
Procedure Warnings
- Never attempt to advance Essure insert(s) against excessive resistance. If a perforation occurs or is suspected, do not continue procedure and monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of possible complications related to perforation which may include unusual post-operative pain.
- To reduce the risk of hypervolemia, terminate procedure if distension fluid deficit exceeds 1500cc or total hysteroscopic procedure time exceeds 20 minutes. Excess fluid deficit may signal uterine or tubal perforation. If noted, discontinue procedure and evaluate patient for possible perforation.
- Do not attempt hysteroscopic Essure insert removal during the placement procedure unless 18 or more trailing coils are seen inside the uterine cavity due to risk of a fractured insert, fallopian tube perforation, or other injury.
- DO NOT perform the Essure procedure concomitantly with endometrial ablation.
MRI Information
The Essure insert was determined to be MR-conditional according to the terminology specified in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, Designation: F2503-05.
Adverse Events
The most common (≥10%) adverse events resulting from the placement procedure were cramping, pain, and nausea/vomiting. The most common adverse events (≥3%) in the first year of reliance were back pain, abdominal pain, and dyspareunia.
This product does not protect against HIV Infection or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Prescription Only
For help with questions about Essure, please call (toll-free) 1-888-84-BAYER (1-888-842-2937)
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Report any adverse events or product technical complaints involving Essure® immediately by calling 888-84-BAYER (888-842-2937).
You are also encouraged to report side effects or quality complaints of products to the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088. For Bayer products, you can report these directly to Bayer by clicking here.
