Have You Developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Recently there have been many reports of certain forms of birth control, especially birth control patches, being tied to blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A major news source in July of 2005 published a report that found these types of birth control can triple the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) developing for patients, along with a number of other concerning side effects.
Some of the women who have experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms have lost their lives as a result of this serious complication. Other reports have found that using certain forms of birth control, especially the patches, can cause women to develop these symptoms as well as increase their potential for other types of blood clots. DVT can cause a serious, and potentially fatal, condition known as pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a type of blood clot that breaks off and travels to the lungs.
Before their approval for placement in the market, the FDA’s medical review board had particular concerns regarding venous thromboembolisms caused by the patches, noting research that provided evidence as to the potential serious adverse side effects associated with the medication.
Patients who have taken or currently take certain types of NSAIDs are also at an increased risk of DVT and pulmonary embolisms developing. This class of medications also has been shown to cause blood clots to form, which can further the risk of pulmonary embolisms.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is noted when a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, travels deep within the veins of the arms, legs, or the pelvis. Clots can also form in veins that are considered to be superficial, known as superficial thrombophlebitis, in addition to deep veins. Superficial blood clots are not commonly related to serious consequences; however deep vein clots require prompt medical attention.
Clots located deep in the veins can grow larger, break free, and travel throughout the bloodstream until they reach the lungs. When this happens, pulmonary embolisms, which can be potentially fatal, develop. There are also other complications that deep vein thrombosis can cause over the course of the long term. Roughly twenty five percent of patients who develop deep vein thrombosis experience damage to the vein that was impacted which can lead to a long term post thrombotic syndrome. This syndrome causes pain, sores on the legs, discoloration, and swelling.
Blood clots can develop in veins any time periods of inactivity set in, such as in a bedridden or paralyzed person, or during a long trip in the car or a long flight. An injury or surgery can cause damage to blood vessels which can also cause clots to develop. Deep vein thrombosis can also occur due to hereditary reasons, or because of cancer.
Deep vein thrombosis can cause symptoms that include generalized swelling in the affected area. The area that is affected my measure larger than the unaffected area, and may also appear to be red and warm to the touch. Tenderness in the area can also be present, as well as pain when it is squeezed or touched, as well as when it moves or the patient becomes mobile. If the deep vein thrombosis is small in size, there may be no symptoms present. There are times when the first indication of a deep vein thrombosis is a pulmonary embolism.
If you or someone you know has suffered with a deep vein thrombosis that is the result of taking birth control or another type of medication, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and you can take action to protect those rights and gain compensation for your damages. The first thing you should do is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical malpractice, and product liability. These professionals will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish and will ensure you get the best possible outcome.
A personal injury attorney will review the details of your claim, and will determine all parties who should be held accountable for the injuries. Your attorney will gather your medical records, collect evidence, will interview witnesses, and will arrange for expert testimony if necessary. He or she will handle your case with the utmost professionalism, and will work to obtain as much compensation as possible.
Compensation can be sought for past, present, and future medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages in some cases. Punitive damages are a type of financial punishment imposed by the courts in an effort to deter future similar acts from occurring. In the event that you have lost a loved one because of deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the decedent.
