NuvaRing
NuvaRing is a prescription form of birth control manufactured by Merck and hailed as a “once-monthly” birth control option. NuvaRing is a hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring that is inserted into the vagina where it stays for three weeks and releases low doses of progestin and estrogen to prevent pregnancy.
NuvaRing was approved by the FDA on October 3, 2001 and marketed in the U.S. starting in 2002. Unfortunately, as the drug became more widely prescribed in the United States, a startling number of women began to experience side effects. Some of these side effects were relatively mild and included headache and upper respiratory tract infections. Other side effects, however, were unexpected and much more serious.
As a result of the dangers that came to light about the hormones used in this “third-generation” contraceptive, the first lawsuits against the manufacturers, distributors and marketers of NuvaRing was filed in 2008. Since this time, more than 700 other lawsuits have been filed by women experiencing NuvaRing complications.
At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyer, our Boston personal injury attorneys assist patients who have suffered NuvaRing side effects.
The Dangers of NuvaRingThe dangers of NuvaRing have become apparent both through complaints of adverse reactions made to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as in scientific studies conducted by medical professionals. For example:
- A 2012 study in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that women using NuvaRing had a 300 percent increased risk of suffering a heart attack than those who were given a placebo. The study also revealed an increased risk of thrombotic stroke.
- Another study published in BMJ in 2012 indicated an elevated risk of developing blood clots in patients using NuvaRing as compared with women using oral contraceptives, mini pills or non-hormonal methods of birth control.
- As of September 2012, 8,418 people had reported adverse side effects from NuvaRing using the FDA’s adverse reporting system.
The reports made to the FDA included a variety of different potential adverse reactions from NuvaRing. As of September 2012, these reports to the FDA adverse event reporting system included:
- 3,434 reports of deep vein thrombosis
- 2,467 reports of pulmonary embolism
- 1,387 reports of anxiety
- 1,387 reports of irregular uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia)
- 829 reports of headaches
- 652 reports of depression
- 646 reports of nausea
- 633 reports of migraines
- 549 reports of thrombosis
- 483 reports of hypercoagulation
Unfortunately, millions of women may experience these and other complications caused by NuvaRing. In 2010, more than 5.5 million prescriptions were written in the United States alone- and the drug generated more than $559 million in international sales in just that one-year period of time.
As Merck is collecting millions off this dangerous drug, countless women are experiencing life-changing medical problems, which are expensive to treat, can prevent them from working and may even necessitate a lifetime of medical care. Merck should be held responsible for paying for the costs of losses associated with this dangerous drug, and a Boston personal injury attorney can help you to take action and make a claim against the manufacturer for damages.
Boston Personal Injury - NuvaRing Help for PatientsAt Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our Boston personal injury attorneys understand how devastating it can be to experience unexpected health problems as a result of a dangerous drug legally prescribed to you by a physician. You count on manufacturers to market safe drugs and to warn you of the dangers and, in fact, the law requires it. If a manufacturer fails, it breaches the duty owed to you under the law and you have a right to recover compensation for damages, including medical bills and lost wages.
Boston personal injury attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyer can help you to take legal action if you have suffered complications due to a defective drug. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you if you or a loved one suffered harm from NuvaRing.
Call (617) 777-7777 – NO FEE UNLESS SUCCESSFUL