NuvaRing, a contraceptive drug manufactured by Schering-Plough Corporation and Organon Biosciences NV, has been linked to increased risks of blood clotting, the death of a New Jersey woman and is the subject of at least 50 lawsuits.

What is NuvaRing?

According to the drug’s website, www.nuvaring.com, NuvaRing is a hormonal contraceptive inside a flexible ring that is two inches in diameter and inserted in the vagina and left in place for three weeks out of every month. It slowly releases two hormones into the vaginal wall: ethinyl estradiol, a type of estrogen widely used in contraceptives, and a progestin called etonogestrel.

Side effects

While blood clots are a common side effect of birth control drugs, NuvaRing use may have increased risks. The drug’s website provides the following warning:

The use of combination hormonal contraceptives is associated with increased risk of several serious side effects, including blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing use than with the use of certain birth control pills. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects; women who use combination hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

Litigation

According to several news sources, a 32-year old seemingly healthy New Jersey wife and mother of two children who was taking NuvaRing, died suddenly from a blood clot. Her family is suing Schering-Plough Corporation and Organon Biosciences NV for failing to conduct adequate long term studies on the drug and for failing to adequately warn users of the severe risks associated with NuvaRing.

Fifty (50) additional lawsuits have reportedly been filed against the manufacturers of NuvaRing, which was launched in 2002 and had sales of $375 million in 2007. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recalled the drug.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to NuvaRing use, contact an attorney whose practice focuses in this area of the law. Consultations are strictly confidential and without cost or obligation. To contact a qualified attorney who may be able to help, please click here.