Earlier this year, Diane-35 faced backlash over serious health risks. Now, in the U.S., NuvaRing is drawing similar criticism from thousands of women.
More than 2,000 American women have sued the manufacturer, alleging NuvaRing caused life-threatening blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and strokes. Reports also link it to several deaths, though the exact number remains unclear.
Dutch Context
In the Netherlands, approximately 170,000 NuvaRings are prescribed annually. A key benefit is its lower hormone dose compared to the pill. However, it contains etonogestrel—the same progestin found in MSD's third-generation pills, which studies in the 1990s showed doubles the thrombosis risk versus second-generation options.
Elevated Thrombosis Risk
A Danish study reported an average thrombosis rate of 6.5 cases per 10,000 NuvaRing users. MSD, the maker, counters with its own company-funded research claiming no increased risk.
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Source: Volkskrant | Image: Shutterstock
