A recent study on the contraceptive NuvaRing (manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.) found that users of vaginal rings with ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel (such as NuvaRing) have an increased risk of blood clots compared to non-users.

As a result, lawsuits have been filed that allege the companies involved concealed the health risks associated with using the NuvaRing.

NuvaRing is a combined hormonal contraceptive containing 2 types of hormones (estrogen and progestin) which work together to prevent the ovaries from producing mature eggs. Once the “ring” is inserted into the vagina, the hormones are then absorbed and distributed into the bloodstream over the course of three weeks. The ring is removed for one week, during which the user will experience a menstrual period yet the contraceptive effect is maintained during this period.

The Dangerous Risks and Side Effects of NuvaRing

The most common adverse events reported by 5 to 14% of the 2501 women who used NuvaRing in five clinical trials include vaginitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, leucorrhea, sinusitis, nausea, weight gain and severe blood clots. A recent article in Vanity Fair titled: “Why Is Potentially Lethal Contraceptive NuvaRing Still on the Market?” highlights a recent study from Denmark led by scientist Dr. Ojvind Lidegaard showing just how severe the risks of NuvaRing are.

The Danish-based NuvaRing blood clot risks study published in the British Journal of Medicine (BJM) examined the health records of more than a million women, and concluded that women using NuvaRing were more than six times as likely to develop blood clots as those who did not use hormonal contraceptives. Journalist Marie Brenner of Vanity Fair reported that, while Merck Canada has changed its label to include the warnings from Lidegaard’s study, the U.S.-based Merck has failed to do so in the U.S.

Blood Clot Lawsuits for NuvaRing Began in 2008

The first lawsuit against the manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of NuvaRing was in 2008. The plaintiff alleged that the companies concealed the health risks associated with using the device. To date, over 1360 lawsuits have been filed in state and federal court. The first bellwether trial, select from a pool of federal lawsuits, is now scheduled to begin on April 7, 2014.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Can Help NuvaRing Victims with Recourse

Companies who create medications and medical devices have a responsibility to create a safe product. Unfortunately, there are instances where instead of healing, medications and devices fail. Tragically, when they do, like instances with NuvaRing, people suffer and can risk injury or death.

Those who have been harmed by the mistakes and negligence of pharmaceutical companies need to choose their legal representation wisely. Make sure you choose lawyers who are qualified and prepared to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Qualified pharmaceutical liability attorneys can also help ensure that drug manufacturers take safety more seriously – a lesson, in many cases, they still haven’t learned.

Additional Sources:

NuvaRing: Side Effects May Include Death (Huffington Post)

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuvaRing

NuvaRing Risks and Side Effects Web Page: http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/risks-and-side-effects/index.asp