Ortho Evra | Birth-Control Patch
Results of a new study released in February 2006 show
that women using the Ortho Evra birth-control patch
have double the risk of developing blood clots compared
with those who take birth-control pills. Just last
November, the makers of this popular form of birth-control
issued a warning alerting doctors and patients that
women who were using the patch were at greater risk
of developing blood clots that could lead to serious
medical consequences and even death.
Side effects associated with the Ortho Evra Patch
include:
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• PE (Pulmonary Embolism)
• Blood Clots
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
More than 4 million women have used the Ortho Evra
patch since it went on sale in 2002. This birth-control
patch works by releasing estrogen directly into the
blood stream through vessels near the surface of the
skin. Estrogen can promote the formation of blood clots.
Blood clots usually form in the legs and sometimes
in the lungs. They can travel to the heart or brain,
causing heart attacks or strokes which can be deadly.
The Ortho Evra patch exposes users to 60% more estrogen
that those using typical birth-control pills. The patch
and most birth control-pills contain the same amounts
of estrogen, however, women using the patch absorb
about 50% more estrogen than those using the pill.
This occurs because hormones from the patch get into
the bloodstream and are removed from the body differently
than those from birth-control pills.
Four months ago the Associated Press reported that
Ortho Evra patch users die and suffer blood clots at
a much higher rate than women taking the pill. In their
investigation the Associated Press found that about
a dozen women died in 2004 from blood clots thought
to be related to the patch and dozens more suffered
strokes and other complications from blood clots.
An internal company memo written by Ortho McNeil,
the makers of the Ortho Evra patch, shows the company
refused to fund a study comparing its Ortho Evra patch
to its Ortho-Cylen pill because of concerns there was "too
high a chance that study many not produce positive
result for Evra" and that there was a "risk
that Othro Evra may be the same or worse than Ortho-Cyclen."
If you or someone you care about has used the Ortho Evra
patch and developed blood clots, DVT, PE or experienced a heart attack,
stroke or any other serious cardiovascular abnormalities, please fill out
our Case Review Contact Form to the right on this page to find out what
your case is worth.
