No Ban Issued By FDA, Stay Current On Dangers
For women who choose it as their preferred method of birth control, accurate Nuvaring information is vital to personal health and safety. Consumers need to be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions associated with any medication, and birth control is no exception.
NuvaRing is a combination hormonal contraceptive which contains both etonogestrel (also known as desogestrel, a synthetic form of progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen). These hormones are introduced to the body via a flexible ring which is inserted into the vagina. Forms of birth control containing this combination of hormones are known as “third-generation” contraceptives.
Current Nuvaring information, based upon the results of numerous independent studies, indicates that the etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring (NuvaRing) carries a two-fold risk of blood clots when compared to older hormone combinations. Moreover, Nuvaring effectiveness with regard to preventing pregnancy is reportedly no higher than with the safer contraceptives. It is for these reasons that the non-profit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen began to pressure the FDA to recall the NuvaRing and all third-generation contraceptives in 2007. However, the FDA has not issued a ban as yet.
Nuvaring information from multiple sources indicates that the side effects associated with the contraceptive are numerous and varied in seriousness. Among the more common and less-threatening symptoms reported by users are breast tenderness, weight gain, nausea, vaginal dryness, vaginal infections, unusual vaginal discharge, sleepiness, cramps, rash and headaches. Some consumers also reported depression, hair loss, irregular bleeding, migraine headaches, abdominal pain and fluid retention.
The most serious and potentially fatal side effects linked to NuvaRing include the following:
• Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Symptoms of DVT include pain in the lower leg, leg cramps, and leg or foot swelling.
• Pulmonary Embolism. This is a blood clot in the lung, the signs of which may include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, and the coughing up of blood.
• Heart Attack. The potential symptoms of a NuvaRing-related heart attack would also include chest pain or heaviness, and shortness of breath.
• Blood Clot in the Eye. This can be signaled by a sudden loss of vision or vision changes.
• Stroke. Signs of a stroke include vision or speech changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, and severe headaches.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome. The symptoms of this side effect may include high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting or a rash.
• Benign Liver Tumors. While benign, these tumors can rupture and cause fatal internal bleeding.
• Increased Incidence of Breast Cancer.
Women who experience symptoms of these potentially life-threatening conditions while using NuvaRing should seek immediate medial attention.
Some women, according to Nuvaring information, are at an even greater risk of suffering these serious side effects. They include those who have:
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• History of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
• Active liver disease
• History of cancer
• Women who smoke
• Heart valve or heart rhythm disorders
• Allergy or sensitivity to the active ingredients in NuvaRing
• Diabetes with complications
• Severe high blood pressure
Experienced drug liability attorneys are currently representing women who have been injured as a consequence of the side effects of NuvaRing. If you or a loved one would like more Nuvaring information or advice regarding the legal alternatives available to you, contact a NuvaRing lawyer from Legal Tube for answers.
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