Jennifer Corbett claims at Legalmatch that Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod that is implanted under the skin of your upper arm. It’s a form of birth control that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Many people choose it for its convenience and long-term protection.
But like any medical device, Nexplanon has risks. Some users have reported serious side effects. These include blood clots, nerve damage, and device migration. These complications have led to lawsuits against the maker of Nexplanon, Merck & Co.
If you’ve experienced issues after using Nexplanon, you may wonder what your legal options are. Here we’ll explain the risks, the lawsuits, and how you can seek help if you’ve been affected.
What Are the Risks of Nexplanon?
While Nexplanon works for most people, it can cause problems for some. Here are the common risks you should be aware of:
1. Blood Clots
One of the biggest risks with Nexplanon is the development of blood clots. These clots can travel to your lungs, heart, or brain, causing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis.
Signs of a blood clot include:
- Swelling or pain in the leg
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe headaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
2. Nerve Damage
Some women report nerve damage at the site of the implant. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of feeling in the arm where the implant was placed. In severe cases, this can become permanent.
Symptoms of nerve damage include:
- Numbness or tingling in the arm
- Weakness in the arm
- Pain around the implant site
If you feel any of these, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
3. Device Migration
The Risk of “Distant” Migration
In rare but serious cases, Nexplanon can move from the arm into the vascular system. While most migration is local (within 2 cm), recent reports have highlighted “distant” migration. In these instances, the rod enters a vein and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs or pulmonary artery.
Signs of pulmonary migration include:
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
- A persistent cough or coughing up blood.
- Inability to feel the implant in your arm (non-palpable).
Signs of device migration include:
- Pain or swelling at the implant site
- Difficulty moving the arm
- The implant is visible or can be felt in an unusual position
If the implant moves, you should get it checked by a healthcare provider immediately.
As of February 23, 2026, the FDA has implemented a mandatory Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Nexplanon. This program was created specifically to address these migration risks by requiring all healthcare providers to be specially certified in proper insertion and removal techniques. If your device migrated after an insertion by a non-certified or improperly trained provider, this may be a key factor in your legal claim.
Can You File a Lawsuit for Nexplanon Injuries?
If you’ve suffered from side effects like blood clots, nerve damage, or device migration after using Nexplanon, you may be able to take legal action. The type of lawsuit you can file depends on your situation.
1. Product Liability Lawsuit
A product liability lawsuit holds the manufacturer responsible for selling a defective product. If Nexplanon caused your injuries due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn, you may be able to file under product liability laws.
Types of defects that could lead to a lawsuit include:
- Design defects: Problems in the device’s original design.
- Manufacturing defects: Problems that occur during the production process.
- Failure to warn: When the manufacturer didn’t adequately warn users about the risks.
2. Negligence Claims
Negligence occurs when a company fails to exercise reasonable care to ensure its product is safe. If Merck & Co. was negligent in designing, making, or marketing Nexplanon, you might be able to file a negligence claim.
3. Class Action Lawsuits
If multiple people have suffered from similar injuries, you might be able to join a class action lawsuit. A class action allows a group of plaintiffs to come together and file a lawsuit as a single entity. This is often used for cases where many people are affected by the same issue.
4. Individual Lawsuit
If your injury is severe, you can also file an individual lawsuit. This allows you to seek compensation specific to your case. You can claim medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Do You File a Nexplanon Lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit can seem like a complicated process, but here are the basic steps to follow.
1. Consult with a Lawyer
Start by consulting with a lawyer who specializes in product liability or medical device lawsuits. A lawyer will review your case and explain your legal options.
Why is this important?
- A lawyer can help you gather evidence.
- They will guide you through the legal process.
- They ensure you meet deadlines for filing your lawsuit.
2. Gather Evidence
To strengthen your case, you will need to collect evidence. This could include:
- Medical records showing your injury and treatment
- Photos of your injuries
- Any communication with your healthcare provider or Merck & Co.
3. File the Lawsuit
Once you have your evidence and your lawyer is ready, they will file the lawsuit. This is usually done in the state or federal court where you live or where the injury happened.
4. Prepare for Settlement or Trial
Once the lawsuit is filed, the manufacturer may offer a settlement. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf. If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your evidence in court.
What Compensation Can You Get from a Nexplanon Lawsuit?
If you win your lawsuit, you can receive compensation for your injuries. Here’s what you might be entitled to:
1. Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for the medical costs related to your injury. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any long-term treatment.
2. Lost Wages
If your injury caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income. This can include wages lost due to treatment or ongoing health issues.
3. Pain and Suffering
In addition to medical costs, you can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.
4. Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award punitive damages. This is meant to punish the manufacturer and deter others from making the same mistakes.
How Long Do You Have to File a Nexplanon Lawsuit?
The time you have to file a lawsuit is limited. This is known as the statute of limitations. The exact timeline varies by state, so it’s important to act quickly.
Consulting with a lawyer early will help ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines. They will explain how the statute of limitations applies to your case.
Conclusion
If you’ve suffered from side effects or injuries due to Nexplanon, you have the right to seek justice. Consulting with a product liability lawyer is your first step. They will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process.
Filing a lawsuit can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. You don’t have to go through this alone. A lawyer will ensure your case is handled properly and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Musarat Bano is a content writer for LegalSever.com who covers lawsuits, legal news, and general legal topics. Her work focuses on research-based, informational content developed from publicly available sources and is intended to support public awareness. She does not provide legal advice or professional legal services.
