The Langhart parents were expecting their daughter, Erika, to fly home for Thanksgiving. Instead, they got a call summoning them to a Virginia hospital, because their daughter had suffered multiple heart attacks. By the time they got to the Virginal Hospital Center, she was in a coma.
The doctor asked whether Erika was using birth control. Upon learning that Erika used NuvaRing, the doctor stated that “there’s a link between NuvaRing and pulmonary embolisms.” The doctors removed the contraceptive device immediately, but it was too late. A blood clot that started in her thigh caused extensive pulmonary embolisms, many episodes of cardiac arrest and eventual brain death.
The Langharts didn’t know that NuvaRing had been linked to other women’s deaths. NuvaRing’s manufacturer Merck admits that there’s a very small risk of blood clots, but maintains that there’s evidence to support the safety and efficacy of the NuvaRing.
Despite this claim, Merck settled a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for $100 million, because Organon, the original maker of the NuvaRing , “failed to adequately warn consumers about a heightened risk of blood clots associated with the use of NuvaRing, even though the manufacturer was aware that NuvaRing posed greater risks than other hormonal contraceptives.”
The Langharts, however, didn’t settle. They want Merck held accountable for failure to properly warn women of the risk. To further their mission, they created a nonprofit honoring their daughter. Using her name, they called the organization “Informed Choice for Amerika”, working with the mission of advising women about the hazards related to NuvaRing and the relative risks of hormonal contraceptives.
Unfortunately, the use of NuvaRing is widespread: it’s one of the most popular birth control products on the market.
Carey Danis & Lowe Can Help
The trusted attorneys at Carey Danis and Lowe work tirelessly to help victims who have been injured by defective medical products.
If you or your loved one is suffering from the ill effects of NuvaRing, please give us a call at 800-721-2519 or send us an email. Carey Danis & Lowe works with a group of nurses and medical experts to address your medical concerns. Our initial consultations are free of charge.
