NuvaRing is an inter-vaginal contraceptive device using low doses of hormones, as compared to the birth control pill. However, progesterone and estrogen, the two primary hormones used in NuvaRing, are both known to thicken, or clot the blood; a situation that increases the risk of a thrombotic incident, such as a pulmonary embolism, a deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction or a stroke. This has caused many to claim damages for injuries caused by this medical device.

NuvaRing it is a vinyl polythylene acetate ring approximately two inches in diameter that is designed to be worn within the body for three weeks out of every four. Over these weeks NuvaRing releases the hormones slowly in to the bloodstream, discouraging the ovaries from releasing an egg. Considered a third-generation birth control method, NuvaRing was first developed in the 1980s and was originally thought to be safer than first- or second-generation hormonal birth control pills. However, subsequent studies have shown that third-generation contraceptive users have a higher risk of blood clots as compared to those on second-generation pills.

The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot frequently go undetected by the victims, with deadly consequences. Those who do suffer from symptoms are placed on prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin, or warfarin, which does not decrease the size of blood clots that have formed, but prevents them from growing larger and helps stop others from forming. Coumadin use comes with the potential for serious side effects, such as an increased risk of stroke or internal bleeding that can lead to death.

NuvaRing was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has been promoted along with warnings of these potential dangers; the manufacturers of NuvaRing recently withdrew their motions arguing that they should be completely protected from state product liability that were filed in 2008, based on the Supreme Court decision in the case of Wyeth vs. Levine in 2010. This ruling holds that the FDA approval of a medication does not in any way protect the medication's manufacturer from liability under state laws.

Many are concerned that the warnings posted on the NuvaRing website and product boxes are insufficient and fail to emphasize the true dangers of a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers and the medical community frequently minimize the risks of the treatments and drugs they provide. In some cases the fault for a serious side effect from the use of NuvaRing may lie in the product manufacturer; in other cases it may qualify as a medical malpractice situation in which the attending physician is at fault.

Lawsuits against product manufacturers are filed under product liability laws and may or may not be filed in conjunction with a medical malpractice lawsuit. In either case it is important for anyone who has been the victim of a medical problem caused by NuvaRing to hire a lawyer experienced in both areas of the law.