The $100 Million Question: Does NuvaRing Usage Result in Increased Cardiovascular Dysfunction?

If you have been following current news in the pharmaceutical industry, you have likely heard about over 3500 product liability lawsuits that were filed against Merck in the past several years asserting claims arising from the use of the NuvaRing, an intravaginal contraceptive ring that releases ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel. These claims alleged that the manufacturers failed to design and produce the NuvaRing with adequate testing and study, that use of the NuvaRing leads to injuries including blood clots, cardiovascular dysfunction, and death, and that the drug companies failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of the increased risk of blood clots posed by use of the NuvaRing. As a result of these allegations, Merck has agreed to settle with the claimants for $100 million. But is the NuvaRing any more dangerous than other hormonal birth control options?