Nuvaring Clots Attorneys

by Steve Fields on July 1st, 2010

It is thought that Nuvaring clots side effects are caused by estrogen and the progestin etonogestrel, an active derivative of desogestrel. Both hormones are released by the birth control ring directly into the bloodstream. When they cause clotting disorders, they can expose women to several dangerous Nuvaring side effects, including pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.

Clots can form in the deep veins or arteries. The former defines a condition known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). DVT poses serious risks because muscle contractions around the veins can cause clots to break away from the venous lining. Detached from the vein’s wall, they can be carried along with your bloodstream toward your heart and lungs. This can lead to life-threatening medical emergencies.

How NuvaRing Clotting Problems Are Treated

The measures used to treat Nuvaring birth control side effects depend on the circumstances. For example, doctors will often prescribe anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, to treat DVT and prevent further clotting. Urgent medical problems, such as stroke and pulmonary embolism, are usually treated with thrombolysis if the patient can tolerate the medications.

Thrombolytic drugs are known as clot-busters. They are introduced to your bloodstream in order to break apart and dissolve blood clots that are blocking major arteries. These medications can be delivered intravenously, but are more commonly delivered through a catheter, especially during emergencies.

The most common clot-busting drugs used today include streptokinase, urokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This latter medication is currently the only FDA-approved drug for treating ischemic stroke. However, because all thrombolytics pose a significant risk of internal bleeding, these medications are only administered in certain situations.

When Are Thrombolytic Medications Used?

Thrombolytic therapy may occasionally be used to treat DVT if your doctor suspects one or more clots are likely to break free of the venous wall. Otherwise, use of the drugs is reserved for treating myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischemic stroke, and severe pulmonary embolism. They are not given if you suffer from bleeding, have undergone recent surgery, or cope with extremely high blood pressure.

The sooner therapy begins, the higher the likelihood of successfully treating the underlying condition. For a heart attack, the medications should be administered within ninety minutes of the first symptoms. The American Heart Association goes further to suggest treatment can produce positive effects if it is delivered up to twelve hours from the beginning of the heart attack.

When treating Nuvaring problems involving a stroke, the drugs are most effective when they are delivered within three hours of the first symptoms. As before, if there are any signs of bleeding, therapy is not given. It’s also worth noting that thrombolytics are not used to treat hemorrhagic strokes. Doing so would risk increased bleeding in the brain.

Clot-busting drugs can be used to treat a pulmonary embolism. However, doctors will normally do so only if there is reason to believe your life is at risk. They must weigh the potential adverse effects of thrombolytic therapy (i.e. hemorrhages) with the possibility of significant lung tissue death.

Possible Side Effects Of Thrombolytic Therapy

Bleeding is the primary concern because it can quickly become life-threatening. For example, approximately 1% of patients who receive thrombolytic drugs experience bleeding in the brain. This can cause a stroke and lead to brain damage. It is also estimated that one in four patients experience minor bleeding that manifests from the gums or nose. A bloody cough, sudden dizziness, low blood pressure, or a severe headache may also indicate internal hemorrhaging. Receiving medical attention is critical.

Nuvaring clots are dangerous because they can block key arteries that supply blood to your lungs, brain, and heart. While thrombolysis can break apart and dissolve these clots, there are serious risks. If you have suffered clotting disorders, pulmonary embolism, or stroke after using the birth control ring, contact one of our Nuvaring attorneys to discuss your rights including the latest Nuvaring lawsuit 2010 news. You may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer for compensation.