Heart Problems Linked to NuvaRing

Manufactured by Organon, NuvaRing is a commonly used form of birth control. Marketed and manufactured by Schering Plough, Nuvaring has been available to the public in the United States since 2001. NuvaRingis placed near the cervix and prevents unwanted pregnancy by releasing a continuous dose of synthetic hormones. The exact dose is 0.120 mg of etonogestrel (a progestin) and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) delivered each day for twenty one days. Nuvaring is then removed for the woman's period and a new one is inserted after several days. The synthetic hormones in Nuvaring are intended to prevent ovulation and to minimize any sperm penetration. Unfortunately, NuvaRing has become a dangerous contraceptive as several patients have suffered blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks, strokes and other heart complications.

Nuvaring, like the Ortho Evra birth control patch, uses hormones to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and both products, unlike the pill, do not require the following of a strict daily regime. However, also like the Ortho Evra Patch, Nuvaring has been the subject of much controversy: it has been blamed for at least a dozen deaths and hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against Organon USA and Schering Plough. Victims have experienced blood clotting complications which likely are caused by the high levels of estrogen and progestin that enter the system when the product is inserted. Blood clots can be extremely dangerous, causing serious long term injury and death. In some cases the clotting problems have led to pulmonary embolisms (clots of the pulmonary artery), which have necessitated amputations and have caused the death of some users.

Lawsuits against Organon and Schering Plough for Nuvaring involve strokes, toxic shock syndrome, and wrongful death, alleging that the companies knew of the product's dangers, but concealed them from both the public and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Organon, along with mentioning the risk of blood clots, warns that NuvaRing may cause mild to serious complications including increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It also states that "the risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing use than with the use of certain birth control pills." However, Organon claims the dose of hormones is low and fails to emphasize the risk of cardiovascular complications in its warning label. This has led many to incorrectly believe NuvaRing carries an equal risk of heart problems as oral contraceptives.

If you have suffered a blood clot, heart attack or any other cardiovascular problem as a result of the NuvaRing, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

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