Women are continuing to file defective medical device/drug injury cases against Merck & Co. Inc. and its subsidiary N.V. Organon over serious side effects caused by the hormonal birth control NuvaRing, The flexible plastic ring, which contains progestin and estrogen, has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and death. These are serious health issues for a product that is supposed to prevent pregnancy to be associated with.
One reason for the greater risks is that the progestin in NuvaRing is desogestrel, which is a third-generation hormone. According to some studies, desogestrel isn’t as safe as its predecessors, which are used in other birth control brands. (Desogestrel had even been linked to a higher risk of blood clots as far back as the 1990’s, yet, according to many plaintiffs, the two drug manufacturers did not warn patients about this possible side effect for years. Some are saying that they would have never opted to use NuvaRing if they’d known there could be such serious complications involved.)
At the moment, there is a NuvaRing Lawsuit Multidistrict Litigation taking place in Missouri in Federal Court. Your NuvaRing case can be brough to this litigation regardless of which state you live in, or, it may be to your benefit to pursue your lawsuit separately. The best way to figure out whether you have grounds for a drug injury lawsuit over your NuvaRing injuries to contact an experienced products liability firm to explore your legal options.
Right now, the first trial dates for pending NuvaRing cases, which were scheduled for the early half of 2013, has been extended. The outcome of the first trials could determine whether NV Organon and Merck will try to settle with plaintiffs rather than risk having to pay larger damages that are decided by a jury. That said, that delay of the first trials might also mean that Merck is already ready to begin settlement talks.
It is a good idea to speak with a NuvaRing lawyer right away. There is always a statute of limitations from how long after an injury occurred/was discovered until when you can file your lawsuit seeking damages.
NuvaRing
The contraceptive device is inserted into the vagina once a month. Other side effects associated with NuvaRing include allergic reactions, missed periods, pain in the leg or calf, lumps in the breast, too much urine, confusion, chest pain, coughing up blood, depression, body numbness, darker urine, weakness in one side of the body, serious headaches, pale stool, slurred speech, irregular vaginal bleeding, Toxic Shock Syndrome symptoms, irritation in the vagina, vision problems, and yellow eyes or skin.
NuvaRing continues to be used by about 1.5 million women around the world.
Planned Parenthood
Birth Control Guide, Food and Drug Administration
More Blog Posts:
DES Lawsuit Against Eli Lilly is Resolved with Settlement, Drug Injury Lawyers Blog, January 11, 2013
Boston Dangerous Drug Lawsuits: YAZ, Ocella, and Yasmin Birth Control Pills Linked to Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke, Heart Attack, and Myocardial Infarction Side Effects, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, June 19, 2012
Plaintiff of NuvaRing Lawsuit Blames the Birth Control Device for Pulmonary Embolism, Drug Injury Lawyers Blog, December 19, 2012