In a case filed in March 2008 in New Jersey state court, a husband alleged his wife's death was caused by her use of NuvaRing. He also alleged that the makers, distributors and marketers of the device hid its dangers and health risks.

That New Jersey lawsuit joins dozens of other legal actions from coast to coast involving NuvaRing. According to news reports, at least 12 U.S. deaths have been linked to use of the contraceptive device.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious side effect after using the NuvaRing device, please contact the experienced medical device injury lawyers at Brown & Crouppen by calling 1-866-991-4700.

NuvaRing is the trade name for a flexible plastic vaginal ring that releases a low dose of a progestin and an estrogen. The device is available only by prescription. Approved in Europe and the U.S. in 2001, NuvaRing is currently available in 32 countries and is used by 1.5 million women.

Under its approved use, the NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina for a three-week period, and then removed for one week, during which time the user has a menstrual period.

The benefits of the ring include convenience, ease of use and exposure to lower estrogen levels than with oral contraceptive pills or contraceptive patches.
But with those benefits come serious side effects. During two clinical studies about 4 in every 100 users reported adverse events related to the device. Those included vaginitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, leukorrhea and sinusitis. There have also been reports of depression, anxiety and mood swings.
The use of combination oral contraceptives has been linked to an increased risk of severe side effects, including blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attack. The manufacturer has cautioned users about these symptoms and urged them to immediately see their healthcare provider should they occur:

• Sharp chest pain, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath (possible clot in the lung)
• Pain in the calf (back of lower leg; possible clot in the leg)
• Crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack)
• Sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, problems with vision or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke)
• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye)
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, or light colored bowel movements (possible liver problems)
• Severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen (gallbladder or liver problems)
• Sudden fever (usually 102°F or more), vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, or a sunburn-like rash on the face or body (very rarely, toxic shock syndrome)
• Breast lumps (possible breast cancer or benign breast disease)
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens in more than one menstrual cycle or lasts for more than a few days
• Swelling (edema) of your fingers or ankles
• Difficulty in sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or a change in mood (possible severe depression)

If you or a loved one has suffered NuvaRing side effects, including a stroke, blood clot or heart attack, the attorneys at Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. Call us Toll-Free at 1-866-991-4700 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.