Class Action Launched Concerning Johnson & Johnson Discontinuance of Several Transvaginal Mesh Products Linked to Severe Complications for Canadian Women

VANCOUVER, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Merchant Law Group announced today expanding class action litigation regarding Transvaginal Mesh Products.  Merchant Law Group has launched national class action litigation before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the B.C. Supreme Court on behalf of all Canadian women who have been victimized by Transvaginal Mesh implants manufactured by the Johnson & Johnson Defendants.

The four products being discontinued are produced by Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon and will be discontinued within the next three to nine months:

• Gynemesh M and Gynecare TVT Secur System
• Gynecare Prosima Pelvic Floor Repair System
• Gynecare Prolift Pelvic Floor Repair System
• Gynecare Prolift + M Pelvic Floor Repair System

These Johnson & Johnson Mesh products were marketed to correct Stress Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse.  Health Canada first licensed the products for sale and use in Canada on August 19, 1998.  Complications arising from the mesh implants include but are not limited to: erosion in the vagina and urethra, pain, infection, perforations, including perforations in the bowel and bladder, pain during sexual intercourse, injuries to adjacent organs and blood vessels.  Health Canada and the FDA have recently warned of these conditions.  Health Canada has stated that treatment for these symptoms may involve surgical intervention including complete mesh removal.  In some cases, multiple surgical procedures to remove the mesh are necessary.

"Merchant Law Group investigated these issues of alleged danger and wrongdoing to women and launched litigation on May 4, 2012," said Tony Merchant.  "Safety in medical products ought to be the predominant aim of Health Canada and medical providers," Mr. Merchant said. "Legal proceedings have been issued in Ontario and British Columbia and lawsuits will be commenced across Canada as more women contact our offices, which they may do by calling 1-888-567-7777 or by providing their information on www.merchantlaw.com."

A copy of the Ontario claim can be viewed at www.merchantlaw.com/johnson.pdf

Merchant Law Group LLP, a leading Canadian class action firm, has offices in 12 cities across Canada, from Montreal to Victoria.  Anyone who believes they may be eligible to participate in this class action should provide their contact information online at http://www.merchantlaw.com/classactions/vaginalmesh.php or call our law firm at 1-888-567-7777 for further information.

Media may contact Tony Merchant, Q.C., at 306-539-7777 or 306-227-2222