Side Effects Of NuvaRing | Nuva Ring Blood Clot

by Steve Fields on March 12th, 2009

More information is becoming available about the life threatening side effects of Nuvaring. Blood clot problems such as DVT, pulmonary embolism and stroke have permanently changed the lives of thousands of women throughout the United States and Canada.

The benefits and side-effects of the birth control pill and other forms of contraceptive like the Ortho Evra patch and Nuva ring have been researched and debated since inception. The first generation of birth control pills (developed in the 1960s) used a higher concentration of estrogen-like compounds as the main means of contraception, but over time it was believed that the levels created an unacceptable risk of blood clots. The second generation oral contraceptives were then introduced. They included progestins at varying concentrations and strengths, with some using gradually increasing hormones, resulting in a lower total dosage of hormone each month.

In the 1990s, the “third generation” pills were released, which have lower doses of active ingredients than their predecessors. While both second and third generation oral contraceptives still contain both types of hormones, estrogen and progestin, the difference between second and third generation contraceptives is the type of progestin contained in the birth control. Second generation pills contain norgestrel, levonorgestrel, or norgestimate while third generation pills contain desogestrel or gestodene (outside of the US). Nuvaring is an example of third generation birth control the difference being that the hormones are absorbed by the body through a flexible ring rather then taken orally.

Third generation pills have been shown to be just as good, if not better, in preventing pregnancy and have reduced side-effects such as irregular menstrual cycle, weight gain, unwanted hair growth and headaches. However, the concern over blood clots has yet again cast a dark shadow over the oral contraceptive and other forms of third generation contraceptives. Research has shown that these third generation pills are associated with an increased risk (1.7 to 3 times as much) of forming blood clots (venous thrombosis). This shocking discovery has resulted in calls for a ban on third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel due to the approximately doubled risk of venous thrombosis (30 cases for every 100,000 users per year of third generation oral contraceptives compared to 15 cases for every 100,000 users of second generation oral contraceptives).

There are studies of the third generation pills that have shown some positive benefits. In terms of heart disease protection, when compared to second generation pills, the new pills reduced the rate of heart attacks by two to three times. Another study even found third generation pills to be beneficial in raising the body’s “good” cholesterol (HDL), which has been linked to lower rates of cardiac disease. When choosing a birth control pill, you should always consult your doctor, but your family history and health may also be a guide. Third generation pills should be used with great caution by women who have a history of DVTs or a strong family history of blood clots in the legs or are significantly overweight. They may be a good choice, though, for women with a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure or who want reduced “minor” effects such as weight gain, headaches, hair growth and breakthrough bleeding.

We represent all women suffering from a Nuva ring blood clot on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please call toll free at 1-888-343-5375 or fill out our short online contact form and a Nuvaring lawsuit attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.