NuvaRing is a hormonal-vaginal contraceptive that combines both estrogen and progestin in a ring to prevent pregnancy.
The product has been sold in the U.S. since 2001. However, in 2011 an FDA report showed a higher risk for blood clots while using NuvaRing. These clots can block veins and cause heart attacks or travel to the lungs and cause other health issues.
Merck, NuvaRing’s manufacturer, may have to pay $100 million to settle thousands of lawsuits over the safety of the NuvaRing contraceptive.
The Lawsuits
According to Judge Brain Martinotti of Hackensack, the settlement may resolve as many as 3,800 cases in federal and state court in New Jersey and Missouri.
More than 200 women in New Jersey sued Merck and accused the company of marketing NuvaRing while knowing it posed a higher risk of heart attack inducing blood clots than competing products.
Lawyers of the women suing over the NuvaRing product contend in court filings that there are almost a dozen studies which have shown that the type of progestin used in the device is twice likely to cause blood clots.
Women also say in court filings that Merck failed to provide proper warnings about NuvaRing’s higher clot risks on the device’s label to protect sales. Suits have been filed against Merck and Organon USA Inc., a unit that sold the device.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects from use of NuvaRing include:
- Vaginal infections and irritations
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Nausesa
Serious Side Effects
If you or anyone you know is using NuvaRing and are experiencing the following symptoms such as:
- Sharp chest pain, coughing blood, sudden shortness of breath (possible clot in the lung)
- Pain in the calf (possible clot in the leg)
- Crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack)
Contact your doctor immediately.