NuvaRing Lawsuits

Background information on NuvaRing lawsuits, settlements and litigation updates published between 2008 to 2017.

NuvaRing Lawsuit Overview

The NuvaRing litigation involved thousands of women who claimed they suffered severe and sometimes fatal blood clots after using the vaginal birth control ring manufactured by Organon and later Merck & Co.

The product was marketed as a convenient alternative to daily birth control pills, but soon after its release, reports began to surface linking NuvaRing to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke. Plaintiffs alleged that the manufacturers failed to warn doctors and users about the heightened clotting risk associated with the hormone combination of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol.

As lawsuits were filed across the country, the federal cases were consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 1964) before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Discovery revealed internal documents suggesting the companies may have been aware of studies indicating that NuvaRing posed a greater thrombotic risk than older birth control formulations, yet failed to update the warnings accordingly.

After years of litigation and expert testimony, Merck agreed in 2014 to pay $100 million to settle nearly all pending claims. The settlement provided compensation for injuries and deaths linked to blood clots, marking the conclusion of a major product liability battle that reshaped public awareness of hormonal contraceptive risks and corporate responsibility in drug safety disclosure.

NuvaRing Litigation Updates

August 22, 2008: NuvaRing Litigation Consolidated in Federal Court

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered all federal NuvaRing birth control lawsuits centralized in the Eastern District of Missouri. The consolidation brought together claims alleging that the vaginal contraceptive ring caused blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and other serious injuries. The MDL aimed to streamline pretrial proceedings and coordinate discovery nationwide.

October 1, 2008: Lawyers in NuvaRing Birth Control Lawsuit to Meet with Judge Next Week

Attorneys representing women injured by NuvaRing were scheduled to meet with the MDL judge to establish early case management procedures. The conference was expected to address document production, discovery coordination, and the selection of leadership counsel for the growing litigation.

October 22, 2008: NuvaRing Birth Control Lawsuits Lawyers Designated

The federal court appointed a group of plaintiffs’ attorneys to leadership roles in the NuvaRing MDL. The designated lawyers were tasked with overseeing coordinated discovery and pretrial strategy, ensuring efficient handling of thousands of related cases. The appointments marked the beginning of structured proceedings against Merck & Co. and its subsidiary Organon.

November 12, 2008: Protective Order Entered in Birth Control Ring Lawsuits

The court entered a protective order governing confidential documents and trade secrets in the NuvaRing litigation. The order established procedures for handling sensitive company records, clinical data, and marketing materials as discovery began. Attorneys expected the documents to shed light on Merck’s knowledge of potential blood clot risks.

December 8, 2008: Judge in NuvaRing Lawsuit Requires Disclosure of Psychiatric History

A federal judge ruled that plaintiffs pursuing NuvaRing lawsuits must disclose portions of their psychiatric history relevant to emotional distress claims. The decision underscored the court’s effort to balance privacy concerns with fair discovery. Attorneys said the order would not affect the core allegations involving thrombotic injuries.

February 27, 2009: Over 100 NuvaRing Lawsuits Transferred to MDL

More than 100 lawsuits alleging blood clot injuries from NuvaRing were transferred into the federal MDL in Missouri. The consolidation reflected the rapidly expanding scope of the litigation as additional women came forward reporting strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis.

August 10, 2009: NuvaRing Side Effects and Science Presented to Court

During early MDL proceedings, experts presented medical evidence linking NuvaRing’s third-generation progestin, etonogestrel, to an elevated risk of blood clots compared to earlier birth control methods. Plaintiffs argued that Merck and Organon failed to adequately warn doctors and consumers. The session helped shape the scientific foundation for future trials.

May 17, 2010: NuvaRing Lawsuit Filings Continue to Mount Nationwide

Court data showed a steady increase in NuvaRing lawsuits filed in both state and federal courts, with claims exceeding 700 nationwide. Attorneys anticipated additional filings as public awareness of the alleged clotting risks spread. The MDL judge emphasized the need for efficient pretrial coordination to manage the caseload.

June 16, 2010: Denied Motions in Lawsuits Over NuvaRing Strengthen Plaintiffs’ Cases

The MDL court denied several defense motions seeking to dismiss claims, allowing plaintiffs to proceed with allegations that NuvaRing’s design and labeling were defective. The ruling was viewed as a significant early victory for injured users. It cleared the way for further discovery and expert witness depositions.

March 22, 2011: NuvaRing Lawyers Meet with Court on First Trial Scheduling

Attorneys and the MDL judge met to discuss selecting bellwether cases that would represent the broader pool of NuvaRing claims. These early trials were intended to test legal arguments and settlement value. The court also reviewed progress on medical expert reports and case readiness.

October 12, 2011: NuvaRing Trial Scheduling Order Issued

The court issued a detailed scheduling order setting timelines for discovery, pretrial motions, and initial trial dates. The plan included the selection of a limited number of representative cases expected to go before juries the following year. The scheduling order marked a major milestone toward trial readiness.

February 7, 2012: NuvaRing Birth Control Lawsuits Face Further Trial Delays

The first scheduled NuvaRing trials were postponed as both sides sought additional time for expert discovery and mediation. Plaintiffs continued to allege that the contraceptive device carried a heightened risk of venous thromboembolism compared to traditional oral contraceptives. The delays hinted that settlement discussions might be underway behind the scenes.

May 14, 2012: NuvaRing Lawsuit Update Highlights Progress in MDL

Court updates indicated that key depositions and expert reviews were nearing completion within the MDL. Attorneys prepared to finalize bellwether trial selections later in the year. The proceedings remained focused on evidence of Merck’s internal knowledge about clotting risks associated with etonogestrel.

June 18, 2012: NuvaRing Lawyers Propose Early Trial Selection Process

Plaintiffs’ counsel proposed a plan to select the first NuvaRing cases for trial based on injury severity and medical documentation. The proposal aimed to expedite the bellwether process and encourage settlement negotiations by testing representative claims.

May 6, 2013: NuvaRing Lawsuits Continue Over Blood Clot Side Effects

Hundreds of NuvaRing lawsuits remained pending nationwide, with plaintiffs alleging pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis linked to hormonal exposure. The ongoing litigation kept attention on birth control safety and the comparative risks between devices and pills.

June 4, 2013: NuvaRing Settlement Plan to Be Discussed

The MDL court scheduled a settlement conference to explore potential resolutions in the growing litigation. The discussions were expected to include global settlement frameworks and criteria for claim eligibility. Attorneys on both sides indicated a willingness to negotiate after years of pretrial discovery.

July 24, 2013: NuvaRing Trials Scheduled in New Jersey State Court

Trial dates were announced for the first state-level NuvaRing cases in New Jersey, where Merck’s subsidiary Organon was headquartered. The state trials were expected to influence settlement strategies for the broader federal MDL proceedings.

October 17, 2013: NuvaRing Lawsuit Dismissed on Statute of Limitations Grounds

A federal judge dismissed one NuvaRing claim after determining the filing exceeded the statute of limitations. The decision underscored the importance of timely legal action for users alleging injury. Other cases continued to move toward trial.

January 17, 2014: First Federal NuvaRing Trial Scheduled

The first federal NuvaRing bellwether trial was officially set to begin in the Eastern District of Missouri. The case was expected to focus on whether Merck failed to adequately warn about blood clot risks. The outcome would serve as a benchmark for potential settlements.

August 18, 2014: NuvaRing Document Order Issued by Court

The MDL judge ordered the production of previously withheld internal Merck documents related to marketing and safety analysis. The disclosure was intended to provide greater transparency ahead of settlement talks and upcoming trials.

November 6, 2014: NuvaRing MDL Lawsuit Delayed

Trial proceedings were postponed once again to allow ongoing settlement negotiations to continue. The delay suggested that significant progress was being made toward a potential global resolution.

February 25, 2015: NuvaRing Bellwether Trial Scheduled

The MDL court rescheduled the first bellwether trial, designating cases that would move forward if settlements were not finalized. The selection ensured the litigation remained on track while negotiations continued.

April 10, 2015: NuvaRing Bellwether Trial in MDL Pushed Back

Another postponement was granted to accommodate final stages of settlement discussions between plaintiffs and Merck. Attorneys indicated that the delay was temporary and designed to allow completion of a comprehensive resolution plan.

May 7, 2015: NuvaRing Testimony Ruling Clarifies Expert Parameters

The court issued an evidentiary ruling outlining which expert testimonies would be admissible during future NuvaRing trials. The order refined the scope of permissible medical and scientific evidence regarding clot causation and risk comparison.

August 6, 2015: NuvaRing Bellwether Lawsuits Dismissed Following Settlement Progress

Several pending bellwether trials were dismissed as settlement negotiations advanced. Attorneys for both sides signaled that a final resolution could be imminent, marking a turning point in the long-running litigation.

November 17, 2015: NuvaRing Lawsuit MDL Trial to Include Punitive Damages Claims

The MDL judge ruled that certain cases could proceed with punitive damage claims intact, finding sufficient evidence that Merck may have acted with disregard for patient safety. The decision increased pressure on the company to finalize a settlement.

February 11, 2016: NuvaRing Trial Delay Allows Settlement Negotiations to Continue

The first federal NuvaRing trial was delayed yet again as parties continued to finalize settlement details. The postponement was widely interpreted as a sign that global resolution was near.

February 25, 2016: NuvaRing Birth Control Injury Lawsuits Filed Nationwide

Despite settlement progress, new lawsuits continued to be filed on behalf of women who suffered blood clot injuries linked to NuvaRing use. The expanding litigation underscored the ongoing health risks and public concern about hormonal contraceptive safety.

May 2, 2016: NuvaRing Litigation Paused Pending Settlement Approval

The MDL court issued an administrative stay on all remaining cases while the parties finalized terms of a nationwide settlement. The pause ensured no additional trials would proceed until payments and eligibility reviews were completed.

July 8, 2016: NuvaRing Lawsuits on Hold, Trial Cancelled

With settlement approval nearing completion, all pending trial dates were officially cancelled. The action confirmed that the MDL would soon transition from active litigation to claim administration.

August 16, 2016: NuvaRing Census Update Filed

A census report submitted to the court confirmed that thousands of claims had been verified as eligible for compensation under the proposed settlement framework. The filing reflected widespread participation among plaintiffs across the country.

September 29, 2016: NuvaRing Birth Control Settlement Announced

Merck & Co. reached a $100 million global settlement to resolve thousands of NuvaRing blood clot injury lawsuits. The agreement provided compensation for qualified claimants while allowing the company to avoid further trials.

June 7, 2017: NuvaRing Settlement Finalized

The federal court finalized the $100 million NuvaRing settlement, marking the official end of the MDL proceedings. Payments were authorized to claimants, and the multidistrict litigation was formally closed after nearly a decade of legal battles.

NuvaRing Lawsuit Examples

March 12, 2010: NuvaRing Lawsuit Alleges Sex Abuse During Medical Exam

A Texas woman filed a lawsuit against her physician and clinic, alleging that she was sexually assaulted during a routine NuvaRing examination. The complaint accused the clinic of negligence in hiring and supervision, arguing that the incident occurred under the guise of a medical procedure. The case drew national attention to patient safety and professional misconduct in reproductive healthcare settings.

April 7, 2011: NuvaRing Blood Clot Lawsuits Filed Over DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Injuries

Multiple lawsuits were filed alleging that NuvaRing caused deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in otherwise healthy women. Plaintiffs claimed that the device’s third-generation hormones posed a higher clotting risk than traditional oral contraceptives. The filings reflected growing concern about serious vascular complications linked to hormonal birth control.

August 2, 2011: NuvaRing Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Blood Clot in Lungs

The family of a 24-year-old woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming she died from a pulmonary embolism caused by NuvaRing. The complaint alleged that Merck and Organon failed to warn about the increased clotting dangers associated with etonogestrel. The case underscored the tragic consequences of undetected thrombotic side effects.

August 18, 2011: Lawsuit Over NuvaRing Blood Clot Filed by 22-Year-Old Woman

A young woman filed suit after suffering a life-threatening pulmonary embolism she attributed to NuvaRing. Her attorneys alleged that the drugmakers concealed evidence of elevated venous thromboembolism risks compared to earlier birth control methods. The case added to a growing wave of litigation over the device’s safety.

March 14, 2012: Lawsuit Filed Over Deep Vein Thrombosis from NuvaRing Birth Control

A Georgia woman filed a lawsuit claiming she developed deep vein thrombosis shortly after beginning NuvaRing use. The complaint asserted that the product’s hormonal formulation significantly increased clot risk without adequate warnings. The filing contributed to nationwide claims consolidated in the federal MDL.

July 24, 2012: NuvaRing Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Filed Over Death of Young Woman

The parents of a 27-year-old woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit after she died from a pulmonary embolism allegedly caused by NuvaRing. The family claimed the manufacturer minimized risk data and failed to update its labeling. The tragedy highlighted ongoing debate over the contraceptive’s safety profile.

May 23, 2013: NuvaRing Stroke Lawsuit Highlights Birth Control Ring Risks

A stroke victim filed suit alleging that NuvaRing’s hormonal composition caused severe and permanent neurological damage. The lawsuit argued that Merck and Organon knew of the heightened clotting risk but continued to market the product as a safe alternative to oral contraceptives. The case drew renewed media coverage of hormonal birth control dangers.

August 27, 2013: Lawsuit Filed Over Pulmonary Embolism from NuvaRing Birth Control

A California woman filed a lawsuit after developing a pulmonary embolism that required hospitalization. Her complaint accused the manufacturers of failing to adequately test the product’s clotting effects before marketing. Attorneys indicated that the plaintiff’s experience was typical of many claims pending in federal court.

January 9, 2014: NuvaRing Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Filed After Severe Blood Clot

Another lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman who suffered a serious pulmonary embolism allegedly linked to NuvaRing use. The claim contended that Merck and Organon ignored internal safety data showing increased clot formation risk. The case was transferred into the federal MDL for coordinated proceedings.

August 7, 2014: Lawsuit Filed Over Pulmonary Embolism from NuvaRing

A Tennessee woman brought a lawsuit after experiencing a pulmonary embolism she attributed to NuvaRing’s hormonal exposure. Her attorneys alleged that safer contraceptive options were available and that the company failed to warn doctors of comparative risks. The case added to hundreds of similar claims awaiting resolution.

October 16, 2014: NuvaRing DVT Lawsuit Filed in New Jersey State Court

A New Jersey woman filed suit after suffering deep vein thrombosis while using NuvaRing. The lawsuit alleged the product’s design caused dangerous hormonal spikes that promoted clot formation. Filed in the company’s home state, the case sought both compensatory and punitive damages.

April 22, 2015: NuvaRing Lawsuit Filed Over Bilateral Pulmonary Emboli Injuries

A Florida woman filed a lawsuit after suffering bilateral pulmonary emboli that left her with lasting respiratory complications. The complaint claimed the product’s design and warnings were inadequate and misleading. Attorneys said the plaintiff’s case represented the severe end of NuvaRing-related clot injuries.

June 25, 2016: Lawsuit Filed Over Generic Equivalent to NuvaRing Birth Control

A woman filed suit alleging she developed a pulmonary embolism after using a generic equivalent to NuvaRing. The complaint named both the generic manufacturer and distributors, asserting that the device carried identical clotting risks as the brand-name product. The filing broadened the scope of litigation to include generic versions of the contraceptive ring.

NuvaRing Research and Reports

April 7, 2008: NuvaRing Birth Control Linked to Unexpected Bleeding and Hormonal Side Effects

Early user reports and medical reviews indicated that NuvaRing could cause irregular bleeding, mood changes, and other hormonal side effects not fully disclosed in initial labeling. Physicians noted that some women experienced prolonged spotting and cycle disruption after insertion. The findings prompted calls for clearer patient education on expected reactions to the contraceptive ring.

October 27, 2011: FDA Study Finds Increased Blood Clot Risk with NuvaRing

A large-scale FDA-funded study determined that women using NuvaRing faced a significantly higher risk of blood clots compared to those taking older oral contraceptives. Researchers found the device’s hormonal combination of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol nearly doubled the likelihood of venous thromboembolism. The report fueled renewed safety warnings and public concern about third-generation birth control methods.

March 5, 2014: FDA Issues NuvaRing Warning for Women Over 35 Who Smoke

Federal health regulators issued a warning advising women over age 35 who smoke to avoid using NuvaRing due to a heightened risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. The advisory reiterated long-standing cautions about combining estrogen-based contraceptives with smoking but placed specific emphasis on ring users. The agency urged healthcare providers to carefully evaluate patient risk factors before prescribing the device.