Kentucky Nexplanon Lawsuits
Nexplanon is a newer version of Implanon, a contraceptive device implanted under the skin that gradually releases a synthetic form of progestin. A recent Denmark study has suggested a potential 40% increase in blood clots when Nexplanon is used. Blood clots can present a host of health risks, including, but not limited to, significant venous injury, organ damage or failure, ischemic stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, disability, or death. Other damaging side effects have also been experienced by women using Nexplanon. Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits can result from the dangerous or damaging side effects resulting from Nexplanon use. Attorney Group for Kentucky is available to help you, or someone you know, to file Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits when appropriate.
Nexplanon History
Nexplanon is a product of Merck Pharmaceutical. The device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2011. Nexplanon is essentially an updated version of Implanon. It is different in that it contains a non-toxic substance, barium sulfate, that can be detected via X-ray or CT scan. This allows the device to be successfully located after it has been implanted. Nexplanon also includes a pre-loaded applicator that reduces the incidence of implantation errors. Nexplanon is similar to Implanon in that it contains hormones in the same quantity—68-mg of etongestrel.
What Nexplanon Is Intended To Do
Nexplanon is a contraceptive that slowly releases etonogestrel in small quantities. Etonogestral is a synthetic form of progestin, a female hormone. Nexplanon is a device that is the size of a matchstick, designed to be implanted in the inner area of a woman’s upper arm just under the skin. The device works by releasing hormones to increase the thickness of the mucous in the cervix. This in turn reduces the ability of sperm to enter the uterus. Nexplanon also impacts ovulation to a degree that, even if a sperm enters the uterus, the chance that an egg will be there to be fertilized is very minimal. Overall, fewer than one female in 100 that uses Nexplanon will become pregnant.
The Denmark Study—Blood Clot Incidence
From 2001 to 2010, Danish researchers analyzed women, ages 15-49, that had no previous history of either blood clots or cancer. They looked at blood clots and other thrombotic events experienced by women in the study during that time period. They concluded that the only non-oral hormonal contraceptive not increasing blood clot risk was the IUD, an uterine implant. By contrast, implants inserted under the skin, like Nexplanon, were associated with an increased clot risk measured at 40%. Vaginal ring devices were also problemmatic. They were associated with a 6.5x higher risk of blood clots. Finally, skin patches were associated with a 7.9x higher risk of blood clots. The results of the study were published in the British Medical Journal, and they can be a factor when considering Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits.
Nexplanon and Blood Clots
Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits can arise from blood clots associated with the use of Nexplanon. Such clots can be life-threatening. In surgical situations, blood clotting is desirable, as it helps to limit bleeding during surgery. However, spontaneously developing blood clots that form in veins, especially in the legs (called “deep vein thrombosis”) can grow large enough to permanently damage these blood vessels. The further danger is that these clots can break loose and travel in bloodstream. Eventually, a clot can lodge in an internal organ. A venous clot lodging in the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism. An arterial clot can enter the brain, heart, or other organ. Heart attacks, strokes, severe disabilities, and even death can result. These occurrences can result in Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits. Increased risks for blood clots appear in women that are over 35, or smoke, or are in other higher risk groups.
Additional Nexplanon Side Effects
In addition to blood clots, Nexplanon side effects can include these and other side effects:
- Vaginal infections
- Unpredictable menstrual bleeding
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Breast tenderness and/or pain
- Depression, irritability, moodiness
- Weight gain
These conditions above can also be evaluated when considering Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits.
Should I Consider One of the Kentucky Nexplanon Lawsuits?
If you are suffering side effects or complications from using Nexplanon, the lawyers associated with Attorney Group for Kentucky can help. They are currently helping affected women in the filing of Kentucky Nexplanon lawsuits. If you or someone that you know has suffered unintended effects of Nexplanon use, please contact us for a free consultation.
