NuvaRing Lawsuit

NuvaRing lawsuits have been filed alleging women suffered serious side effects as a result of using the NuvaRing birth control. Among the reported side effects is an increased risk of NuvaRing stroke and NuvaRing blood clots, some of which have allegedly resulted in the deaths of young women.

NuvaRing is a birth control product that is placed near the cervix and releases a dose of synthetic hormones—etongestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen)—over a 21-day period. The vaginal ring is taken out after the 3-week period and then left out for one week to allow for menstruation. Following that week, a new ring is inserted.

NuvaRing works by suppressing ovulation and also by thickening cervical mucus to help ensure fertilization cannot occur. NuvaRing was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in 2001.

NuvaRing, along with other third- and fourth-generation contraceptives, has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots. Two studies, published in 2009 in the British Medical Journal, found that third- and fourth-generation contraceptives were associated with almost twice the risk of a blood clot, compared with second-generation contraceptives. If a blood clot comes loose and travels to the patient's brain, this can cause a stroke, which can have serious and fatal repercussions for the patient. Patients who survive their stroke may wind up with lifelong injuries, including paralysis.

In October 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publicized a study of various new birth control methods and their link to cardiovascular complications. The study found that the etongestrel/estradiol vaginal ring (NuvaRing) was associated with a "significantly higher risk of VTE [venous thromoembolic events] relative to low-estrogen comparators." The study noted, however, that the finding of increased risk of VTE linked to the vaginal ring, "raises concern but needs to be replicated in other studies."

According to the study, called "Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs) and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Endpoints," the vaginal ring is a combined hormonal contraceptive that can cause higher cumulative exposure to estrogen, which increases the risk of a VTE.

Lawsuits have been filed against the maker of NuvaRing, alleging the product is linked to an increased risk of stroke in some women. Among those who were reportedly injured by use of the NuvaRing are 27-year-old Misty Liebert—who reportedly developed a blood clot in her lungs—and Jackie Bozicev, a 31-year-old who reportedly died in December 2007 from a sudden blood clot.

A wrongful death lawsuit was filed following Jackie Bozicev's death. According to the lawsuit, the victim died after a blood clot traveled through her pelvic region and lodged in her lungs.

A separate lawsuit was filed in July 2010, after a 43-year-old woman reportedly died five months after starting NuvaRing. According to the lawsuit, the victim died of a blood clot. The lawsuit alleges the maker of NuvRing did not provide accurate warnings about the risk of blood clots.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit was filed in January 2012, after a woman claimed she was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after using NuvaRing for just over a month. The lawsuit was filed by Dawn Kregal, who alleges that the use of NuvaRing caused her DVT and further alleges that the makers of NuvaRing failed to warn patients that the birth control was associated with a high number of thrombotic events.

NuvaRing Contraceptive Ring Birth Control Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from blood clots or other side effects while using NuvaRing, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Jun-4-12