Nuva Ring Lawsuit

by Steve Fields on November 19th, 2008

Nuva Ring Lawsuit Information

Women throughout the country have suffered from life-threatening Nuvaring side effects. If you have been injured while using this contraception you may be eligible to file a Nuva Ring lawsuit. Currently NuvaRing lawsuits are being filed by individuals and families throughout the United States. Fields Law Firm is working with women who wish to file an individual Nuva Ring lawsuit rather than be part of a large class action.

Even though many women have experience similar problems, the effect on each person’s life has been very personal and goes beyond any immediate financial loss. Given the increasing number of NuvaRing victims, attorneys and courts will likely look to multidistrict litigation to more efficiently handle the growing Nuvaring litigation.

What is Nuva Ring?

Nuva Ring birth control is a relatively new form of contraception. It is a flexible, transparent ring that is approximately two inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina. The position of the NuvaRing is not important for its function. NuvaRing is left in the vagina for three weeks and then removed. After one week, during which time withdrawal bleeding usually occurs, a new NuvaRing is inserted for another three-week cycle.

NuvaRing is manufactured by Organon USA, which is a pharmaceutical company owned by the multi-national conglomerate Akzo Nobel. Akzo Nobel is based in the Netherlands, where NuvaRing was first approved in February 2001. NuvaRing was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 3, 2001.

How Does Nuva Ring Work?

NuvaRing is a combinational hormone contraceptive containing two types of hormones – an estrogen and a progestin. NuvaRing is considered a third-generation birth control that uses a different form of progestin than earlier contraceptives called desogestrel. Those hormones are released into the bloodstream through contact with the vagina. The vaginal walls absorb the hormones and place them into the bloodstream. These hormones are designed to prevent the ovaries from producing mature eggs. In addition, the lining of the uterus becomes thinner which inhibits implantation of a fertilized egg.

Is Nuva Ring Effective?

In three clinical trials of 13 cycles of NuvaRing use, the pregnancy rates were between 1 and 2 percent. The manufacturer of NuvaRing claims it is highly effective “when used as directed.” However, there are side effects, some of which can be life-threatening.

Studies of third generation contraceptives concluded as early as 1995 that the third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel had almost double the risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots) than second generation oral contraceptives. The FDA confirmed this risk in 1995 stating “new studies indicated that a two-fold increase in the risk of venous blood clots associated with products containing desogestrel.” Currently, there also have been zero non-industry sponsored studies comparing the benefits of third generation contraceptives such as NuvaRing to second generation contraceptives.

What are Nuva Ring Side Effects?

According to the manufacturer, common Nuva Ring side effects reported by users are vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal secretion, headache, weight gain, and nausea. More serious side effects include a higher risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots). Studies have shown the association between desogestrel and an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. NuvaRing has been linked to blood clots including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, as well as stroke and heart attack.