NuvaRing is a combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring. Women insert the ring once a month, and it releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over a three-week period. NuvaRing is very convenient, especially for women whose busy schedules prevent them from using low-dose oral contraceptives.
However, clinical studies have found that NuvaRing increases the risk of blood clots at least 2.4 times compared to low-dose oral contraceptives.
Blood clotting is the body’s way of repairing injured blood vessels, but a blood clot can also be dangerous and potentially fatal. A blood clot in the vein of an arm or leg can cause a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Signs and symptoms of DVT include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmness
The blood clot can dislodge and move to an artery. This prevents the blood from getting to the bones, tissues, muscles, and organs. Arterial blood clots can cause pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke.
Blood clots that develop in the eyes may cause blindness.
Signs and Symptoms of a NuvaRing Blood Clot Injury
- Pain or numbness in an arm or leg
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blurred vision
- Sudden change in the amount of urine produced
- Dark-colored urine
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Coughing up blood
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Sudden, severe headache
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Unusual fatigue
- Lethargy
- Chest pain, heaviness, or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
Women who experience any of the signs and symptoms associated with a NuvaRing blood clot should seek immediate medical care.
Thousands of women have reported NuvaRing blood clots to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Almost 2,000 women are suing Merck, the maker of NuvaRing, for injuries associated with the contraceptive.
If you suspect that you have a NuvaRing injury claim, your first step should be to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an attorney. To learn more about NuvaRing lawsuits in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois contact Hupy and Abraham at 1-800-800-5678.
