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NuvaRing is an alternative prescription birth control manufactured by Merck. It is a flexible plastic ring about two inches in diameter, inserted into the vagina for a three week period, during which a slow-release system releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the blood stream. The ring is removed during menstruation, and is then reinserted a week later.

History

NuvaRing has been around since 2001, after first gaining prescription availability in 13 European companies and finally obtaining Food and Drug Administration approval in the U.S. By 2002, the contraceptive device was being heavily marketed internationally. Today, the NuvaRing is available in more than 32 countries and is used by more than one and a half million women.

Side Effects

Many women use NuvaRing because it has been marketed as more convenient than the Pill, but they are realizing that these benefits are increasingly outweighed by myriad dangerous side effects. About 14 percent of women using the NuvaRing or having used the device in the past have reported at least one of these common side effects: Headache, nausea, weight gain, vaginal secretion, and vaginal infections and irritation.

These further complications have also been reported:

• Optic neuritis, which may lead to partial or complete loss of vision

• Thrombophlebitis and venous thrombosis with or without embolism

• Budd-Chiari Syndrome

• Arterial thromboembolism

• Colitis

• Pulmonary embolism

• Changes in libido

• Myocardial infarction

• Acne

• Cerebral hemorrhage

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome

• Cerebral thrombosis

• Impaired renal function

• Hypertension

• Hemorrhagic eruption

• Gallbladder disease

• Erythema nodosum

• Hepatic adenomas or benign liver tumors

• Pancreatitis

• Mesenteric thrombosis

• Dysmenorrhea

• Retinal thrombosis

• Erythema multiforme

• Vomiting

• Loss of scalp hair

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, cramps and bloating)

• Hirsutism

• Breakthrough bleeding

• Dizziness

• Spotting

• Nervousness

• Change in menstrual flow

• Cystitis-like syndrome

• Amenorrhea

• Cataracts

• Temporary infertility after discontinuation of treatment

• Pre-menstrual syndrome

• Edema/fluid retention

• Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and severe reactions with respiratory and circulatory symptoms

• Melasma/chloasma which may persist

• Exacerbation of chorea

• Breast changes: tenderness, pain, enlargement, and secretion

• Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus

• Decrease in serum folate levels

• Intolerance to contact lenses

• Exacerbation of porphyria

• Change in corneal curvature (steepening)

• Aggravation of varicose veins

• Vaginitis, including candidiasis

• Change in weight or appetite (increase or decrease)

• Mood changes, including depression

• Change in cervical ectropion and secretion

• Rash (allergic)

• Possible diminution in lactation when given immediately postpartum

• Migraine headache

• Cholestatic jaundice

Serious Health Complications

Due to these many risks, it is imperative that you seek medical treatment if you experience any additional complications. Experiencing a sharp pain in the chest, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood is indicative of a blood clot in the lungs. A pain in the back of the lower leg could indicate a blood clot as well. If you experience chest heaviness or pain, this could also signal the beginning of a heart attack. Experiencing fainting, dizziness, impaired speech or vision, weakness, vomiting, or severe headaches could also foreshadow the onset of a stroke.

A partial or total loss of vision might indicate a blood clot in the eye. Fever, fatigue, dark urine, light feces, loss of appetite, or a yellowing of the skin and eyes might mean possible liver problems. Swelling, tenderness, and severe pains in the abdomen are symptoms of a gallbladder problem. Diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, vomiting, rashes on the body, and a sudden high fever are indicative symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or health complications with NuvaRing, fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication and contraceptive devices. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.