The formation of blood clots are due to the hormones estrogen and etonogestrel, an active derivative of desogestrel. We are currently filing individual lawsuits for women suffering from Nuvaring side effects. There is no national Nuvaring class action lawsuit covering all claims. Both hormones are released into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. A study published in August 2009 by the British Medical Journal revealed that contraceptives containing estrogen and desogestrel pose a 7.3-fold increase in the risk of clotting (over non-use). These blood clots can cause several dangerous Nuvaring side effects, many of which are described below.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which clots form within the deep veins of your body. This typically occurs within the femoral and popliteal veins of your legs, though it can also affect your arms and pelvis. Clots within these blood vessels can cause circulation problems that lead to pain and swelling. However, there are other concerns that are more serious.
These veins are squeezed by muscles that contract whenever you move your legs. These contractions may cause clots (or, thrombi) to break away from the venous wall. Left unattached, they become free to travel with your bloodstream to your lungs.
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a condition caused by DVT. It is defined by valvular incompetence within your veins (typically in the legs). Your deep veins are equipped with one-way valves that are responsible for preventing blood from pooling. These valves suffer inflammation when clots form near them. When they become inflamed, they fail to properly regulate the flow of blood, allowing it to pool within your legs. This causes pain and swelling, and may even lead to sores and skin ulcers.
Pulmonary Embolism
As noted earlier, thrombi that form in the deep veins of your legs can break free (i.e. embolize) and migrate to your lungs. Your lung tissue is supplied with blood by your pulmonary arteries. Blood flows into these arteries from the right side of your heart. Clots that have entered your heart and moved into the pulmonary arteries can block them and prevent blood from reaching your lung tissue. This triggers a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
Pulmonary Hypertension
An embolus may cause a partial blockage in a pulmonary artery, and thus restrict the flow of blood to your lungs. This causes the right side of your heart to work harder in order to push blood through the restricted opening. As a result, pressure within your lungs will increase, causing a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. This can eventually lead to heart failure.
Heart Arrhythmias
Occasionally, pulmonary hypertension due to Nuvaring blood clots can result in a heart arrhythmia. Depending on its severity, it can cause breathing difficulties and lightheadedness, especially following physical exertion. A particularly troubling form of arrhythmia is called atrial fibrillation, which is defined by fluttering in the upper chambers (i.e. atria) of the heart. This fluttering may allow blood to pool within the left atrium, setting the stage for the formation of clots.
Heart Attack
Your heart is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your coronary arteries, which descend across the muscle’s surface from the aorta. Blood flows into the aorta upon leaving the left ventricle (i.e. lower chamber of the heart). If clots have formed within the left atrium or ventricle – as can occur with atrial fibrillation – they can migrate into a coronary artery and form a blockage. This causes a portion of your heart muscle to be deprived of oxygen and blood. You will experience a myocardial infarction.
Ischemic Stroke
Blood clots that emerge in the aorta and bypass the coronary arteries may travel toward your brain. Your brain tissue is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your carotid arteries. If an embolus migrates into one of these arteries and blocks the flow of blood, the underlying brain tissue will starve. You will suffer a stroke.
Each of the Nuvaring side effects described above are caused by blood clots. Each is dangerous, and in the case of some (e.g. pulmonary embolism), potentially fatal. If you have suffered clotting or any of its dangerous byproducts after using the birth control ring, contact an experienced lawyer to discuss your options and for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit settlements news. You may have the right to file a Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 claim against the manufacturer. There is no national Nuvaring class action lawsuit covering all cases.
