As NuvaRing Migrates Globally, Concerns Over NuvaRing Blood Clots Escalate

SingaporeConcern over NuvaRing blood clots, something which has been a worry in the US for some time, has the potential to soon become an equal concern in Singapore, now that NuvaRing is available in that country. And women seeking an alternative to an oral contraceptive must now begin to deal with the potential for NuvaRing side effects, according to a recent issue of a leading newspaper in that country.

The Straits Times (5/31/12) reports that NuvaRing birth control has the potential to cause thrombosis, or blood clot. Often beginning in the legs, the clots can move to the lungs and trigger a pulmonary embolism. This can be the result of a clog in the artery feeding blood to part of the lungs—a clog caused by the formation or migration of NuvaRing blood clots.

The Times explains to its Singapore readers that the clot can prevent the needed exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, decreasing blood supply to lung tissue. The reduction in blood supply can cause the tissue to die off.

Amongst other NuvaRing dangers, cites the report, is the potential for stroke, which in layman's terms is when blood supply is cut off, or restricted to the brain.

Mrs. J. Goh is identified as a 36-yaer-old pharmacist having recently moved to Singapore with her family from Malaysia. Given that NuvaRing birth control is now available in Singapore after a seven-year wait (it was originally approved in 2005), Goh has made the switch to NuvaRing from an oral contraceptive and finds the latter not only convenient, but she has fewer headaches.

It is not known if Goh, since adopting the use of NuvaRing, has experienced any adverse reactions, which can include NuvaRing heart attack. The Times notes that hundreds of NuvaRing lawsuits have been filed.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA, Singapore's equivalent to the US Food and Drug Administration) actually gave NuvaRing the green light in that country in 2005, but NuvaRing's manufacturer ultimately decided to delay its introduction until this year.

"As the use of hormonal contraceptives could be associated with an increased risk of serious side effects," including NuvaRing blood clots and NuvaRing heart attack, "consumers should always seek advice from their physicians on the suitability of the product for their use," a spokesperson for the HSA said.