A case of allergy to a copper-medicated IUD. Etiopathogenetic and clinical aspects
Pacilli, L.; Graffino, W.; Poggio, A.; Arrotta, S.
Minerva Ginecologica 33(12): 1159-1163
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4784 PMID: 6460950 Document Number: 181307
The use of copper medicated IUDs has replaced the use of inert IUDs, thanks to their increased effectiveness, a Pearl index of 1% as compared to 2.5%. There are very few reported cases of copper allergy due to IUDs; this article presents 1 such case. A 22 year old healthy woman was inserted with a Cu 250 IUD; 1 week after insertion she presented widespread erythematous patches all over her body, excluding her face. Cortisone and antihistamine treatment were ineffective; the IUD was removed, and all symptoms disappeared in less than 20 days; subsequent tests revealed the patient to be allergic to copper sulphate.