Pennsylvania Woman Blames NuvaRing for Pulmonary Embolism

Jessica Todd of Pennsylvania has sued the manufacturers of NuvaRing, alleging that the contraceptive device caused her to experience multiple pulmonary embolisms.

Per the NuvaRing lawsuit, Todd used the contraceptive from March until September 2011, and selected this form of contraceptive based on the defendants’ representation of the device as safe and effective. However, in early September 2011, Todd experienced pulmonary embolisms – multiple serious blood clots lodged in her lungs. 

A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. In a pulmonary embolism, a large blood clot forms, usually in the large veins of the legs. When such a clot dislodges from the vein and gets stuck in the lungs, the heart works harder to get blood into the lungs, resulting in high blood pressure. About 15 percent of cases of sudden death stem from pulmonary emboli. 

The NuvaRing lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers of this contraceptive device were aware – or reasonably should have been aware – that their product was linked with an increased risk of blood-clot related complications compared with other forms of hormone-based birth control. The complaint asserts that the various defendants conducted their own clinical research into these risks. 

The NuvaRing lawsuit further alleges that not only were the manufacturers of NuvaRing aware of the risks associated with their product, but actively hid them from patients like Todd. The lawsuit alleges that the marketing of the device and even the information included with the ring omits information on the risk of serious complications like blood clots. Per the complaint, Todd would not have used the device had she been aware of the risks associated with it. 

The NuvaRing lawsuit is formally titled Jessica Todd v. Merck & Co., et al., Case No. 0:13-cv-02412-PJS-JJG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.