Blood Clots From The Ring Contraceptive Can Lead To A Stroke And Death
Since 2002, millions of U.S. women have chosen The Nuva Ring as their preferred method of contraception. Many are drawn to the convenience of this birth control option, as it eliminates the need to take a pill on a daily basis. However, the convenience of the Nuva Ring doesn’t come without risks. Many serious side effects have been linked to its use, and some of those are potentially deadly.
The Nuva Ring is a flexible ring which is inserted in the vagina and left in place for a period of three weeks. Contact with the vaginal wall activates the ring to emit a steady dose of two hormones (estrogen and a synthetic form of progestin, known as etonogestrel or desogestrel) which are secreted into the bloodstream. These two hormones prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucous to inhibit the swimming of sperm, and thickening the uterine lining to make the implantation of a fertilized egg unlikely.
After three weeks, the user removes the ring for a period of one week, in which time she should experience a menstrual period. She should then insert a new ring for the next three-week cycle.
NuvaRing users have reported a wide range of side effects, including some which are mild in nature, such as nausea, weight gain, sleepiness, headaches, breast tenderness, cramps, vaginal dryness or secretions, and vaginal infections. Of somewhat greater concern are the possible side effects of irregular bleeding, hair loss, migraine headaches, abdominal pain and fluid retention.
The most serious risks associated with use of the Nuva Ring are the blood clots the contraceptive may cause, and the fatal health complications they can lead to. The type of synthetic progestin used in NuvaRing is know as etonogestrel (a type of desogestrel), and is part of the combination of hormones in all “third-generation” contraceptives. Studies dating back as far as 1995 indicate that this hormone combination carries double the risk of blood clots when compared to older forms of hormonal birth control. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has asked the FDA to recall all third generation contraceptives, including the Nuva Ring, to no avail.
The clots caused by the hormones in NuvaRing can manifest themselves in a number of ways. Some present as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and originate in a deep vein, typically in the lower leg. These clots can travel to other regions of the body, such as the heart or lungs, and cause death. Others are diagnosed as pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lung. PE is always very serious, and can also be deadly.
A blood clot which travels to the brain can cause stroke, leading to serious injuries, some of which are long-term in nature. There is also an elevated risk of heart attack associated with the use of NuvaRing.
For consumers who have suffered these types of Nuvaring injuries while using the contraceptive, it may be possible to recover compensation from the drug’s manufacturer. Attorneys who are experienced with drug liability lawsuits can help you understand your legal rights, and protect your interests for the future. A NuvaRing lawyer may be able to recover expenses for medical care and rehabilitation, or win compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering. Let Legal Tube be your resource for finding the right attorney.
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