Safety Alert for Copper T380A intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD)

Safety alert

2005-12-24

Hong Kong

DH

https://www.mdco.gov.hk/english/safety/recalls/press_20051224.html

Removal of contraceptive device 24 december 2005 (tuesday) the department of health (dh) had contacted all the 261 women using a same batch of copper t380a intra-uterine contraceptive device (iucd) which reported to have five incidents of breakage and expulsion in the past 12 months. a dh spokesman said: "out of the 261 clients contacted, 51 of them have the iucds removed at dh's maternity and child care centre. all the iucd were found intact." "dh's follow-ups also revealed no report of pregnancy arising from the breakage of iucd had been received." dh's hotline had received a total of 204 enquiries. the family planning association of hong kong's (fpahk) have sent out letters to all their clients and so far none reported being pregnant. a total of 59 clients have their iucds removed by fpahk. two of these iucds were found to be broken on removal. a total of 1161 pieces of the same batch of the affected iucds were used by dh's family health services and the family planning association of hong kong (fpahk) between 2001 and 2003. in view of the rising incidence of breakage reports, dh decided to remove the iucds from the clients as a precautionary measure. the spokesman stressed that using iucd is a very effective and safe method of contraception. it carries uncommon complications such as expulsion and pelvic infection. women inserted with iucd should immediately consult their doctors if they suspect to be pregnant, or have abnormal or severe abdominal pain, excessive menstrual flow or abnormal vaginal discharge . the spokesman reminded women inserted with all models of iucd to attend checkups regularly.