Killer Contraception? Lawsuit Alleges NuvaRing is Killing Women

 Posted on April 03, 2014 in Birth Control

According to Fox News, more than 3,600 women have joined together to file an unsafe medical drug lawsuit against drug manufacturer Merck. According to the lawsuit, more than 100 women have died as a result of using the company's contraceptive, NuvaRing.

Lawyers associated with the suit argue that the contraceptive ring caused blood clots that resulted in death. They also state that Merck failed to include the risk of clots on the medication label and did not inform doctors that NuvaRing carries a clotting risk that is up to five times greater than traditional birth control pills.

NuvaRing uses a different type of progestin than what is contained in other birth control medications. Desogestrel and its related compounds carry fewer side effects (such as acne) than birth control pills but carry a higher risk of blood clots. According to research in the British Medical Journal, vaginal rings also carry a 90 percent greater risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot that blocks a vein).

The lawsuit currently does not ask that Merck remove NuvaRing from the market; instead, they request that the company alter the medication labeling to inform patients of the greater risk of blood clots. The lawsuit also alleges that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been negligent for failing to require that Merck take this action.

In response to the lawsuit, Merck issued the following statement: “Nothing is more important to Merck than the safety of our medicines and vaccines and the people who use them.” The company also states that they stand behind the research that led to the medication's approval and reaffirmed their commitment to continually monitor the safety of all of their medications. The FDA declined to issue any statement on the lawsuit.

If you or someone you know has suffered from a blood clot while using the NuvaRing contraceptive, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an attorney experienced in defective medical drug and device law for more information on how to proceed today.