Nuvaring Blood Clots
Some women using this newer form of birth control have developed side effects of Nuvaring. Blood clots in the form of DVT and pulmonary embolism have developed in women with no prior health problems.
Some women using this newer form of birth control have developed side effects of Nuvaring. Blood clots in the form of DVT and pulmonary embolism have developed in women with no prior health problems. To diagnose deep vein thrombosis, your doctor will ask you a series of questions about your history and symptoms. A physical exam will also be performed to examine any areas of swelling, tenderness or discoloration on your skin. Depending on how likely you are to have a blood clot, your doctor may suggest further testing. Many women suffering from Nuvaring side effects have undergone testing to see if they have developed a blood clot. Often they mistake blood clot symptoms for everyday aches and pains like just having a sore leg or a pulled muscle after working out.
All women have a risk of having a blood clot while using hormone-based birth control like the pill, patch or birth control ring (Nuvaring) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women taking the pill have a four times greater risk of developing blood clots than non-users. For a woman with the factor V Leiden mutation, the risk increases 30 to 35 times with the pill and 13 to 15 times with HRT. Pregnant women have a risk of having a blood clot as well. For a pregnant woman with a factor V Leiden mutation, the risk increases 7 to 16 times. Some studies have shown that the hormones in Nuvaring birth control increase the risk of developing blood clots in otherwise healthy women.
The initial test is usually an ultrasound. An ultrasound test measures the blood flow through your veins and helps find any clots that might be blocking the flow. Sometimes a series of ultrasounds are done over several days to determine whether a blood clot is growing or to be sure a new one has not developed.
Other tests may be used if ultrasound results are unclear. These alternative tests may help diagnose or exclude a blood clot but are not needed in many cases:
1. CT or MRI scans. Both computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide visual images of your veins and may show if there is a blood clot. Sometimes a venous thrombosis is found when these scans are performed for other reasons.
2. Blood test. Almost all people who develop severe DVT have an elevated blood level of a clot-dissolving substance called D-dimer. However, D-dimer is elevated in other conditions, too. Thus, a test for D-dimer is not conclusive and is most useful for ruling out DVT or identifying people at risk of recurrence.
3. Venography. A dye is injected into a large vein in your foot or ankle. An X-ray procedure creates an image of the veins in your legs and feet to look for clots. This test is used less frequently today because less invasive studies can usually confirm the diagnosis.
If you are treated with anticoagulant medicines, you may need periodic blood tests to monitor the effects of the anticoagulant on the blood. Blood tests include activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to monitor treatment with standard or unfractionated heparin, and prothrombin time (PT) or INR, to monitor treatment with warfarin (Coumadin).
Treatment must occur immediately with the goal of stopping your blood clot from getting larger, preventing the clot from breaking loose and flowing to your lungs, and preventing DVT from occurring again.
Serious Nuvaring side effects treatment options include:
1. Blood Thinners. Drugs used to treat blood clots include the use of anticoagulants. These are drugs that decrease your blood’s ability to clot. While they do not break up existing blood clots, they can help prevent existing clots from getting larger or reduce your risk of developing future clots. Common anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin. Heparin is given through a vein (intravenously, or IV) or as an injection. Warfarin is given as a pill. Treatment usually involves taking blood thinners for at least 3 months to prevent existing clots from growing.
2. Filters. If you are at a high risk for pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) and you cannot take medications to thin your blood, a vena cava filter may be used. The filter is inserted into the vena cava, the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the abdomen and legs. This filter prevents clots from breaking loose and traveling to your lungs.
3. Compression Stockings. These tight-fitting, elastic stockings are worn on the leg from your foot to about the level of your knee. This pressure helps reduce the chances that your blood will pool and clot.
Resources:
Mike Anderson is the author of this article on Class Action Lawsuit.
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