Ortho Evra Patch Birth Control Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ortho Evra patch dangerous?
- What should I do if my health has suffered from using Ortho Evra?
- What has the FDA done about Ortho Evra?
- Why file an Ortho Evra lawsuit?
The Ortho Evra birth control patch was a revolutionary advancement in the prevention of pregnancy. Instead of having to remember to take a pill every day, women now could simply attach a patch to their upper outer arm, thigh, buttocks, or abdomen and receive reliable protection against an unplanned pregnancy.
The patches are durable, waterproof, and will remain attached even during strenuous exercise. The patch itself is 1 ¾ inches square, and is virtually unnoticeable while worn. Ortho Evra works by releasing an extended dose of two hormones called progestin and estrogen. When absorbed by the female body, these chemicals inhibit ovulation, which in turn drastically reduces the chances of fertilization. Ortho McNeil states that the patch is at least as effective as traditional birth control pills, with the added convenience of a once a week application.
Unfortunately, elevated progestin and estrogen levels can lead to dangerous deep vein blood clots - which can lead to strokes, pulmonary embolisms and heart attacks. Many women who used the patch did not realize the potential dangers until a young woman died in 2004 due to an Ortho Evra-related incident.
If you or a loved one used the Ortho Evra birth control patch you too may be at serious risk for heart attacks, stroke, or pulmonary embolisms. If you feel that your health and safety may have been jeopardized from using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, contact a knowledgeable, experienced Ortho Evra attorney today to discuss your litigation options.
Is the Ortho Evra patch dangerous?
The Ortho Evra patch has been linked to an increased risk of DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) and PE (Pulmonary Embolism), which can lead to stroke, hemorrhage, heart attack and death. Evidence shows that the risk of blood clots and stroke associated with Ortho Evra is significantly higher than with oral contraceptive pills. The incidence of embolisms and thrombotic injuries from Ortho Evra side effects is six times greater than the incidence of such side effects in oral contraceptives using the hormone levonorgestral.
Blood clots are a known risk from hormonal birth control because estrogen promotes blood coagulation. Clots typically form in the legs and can cause serious injury and death if they travel to the heart, lungs or brain.
What should I do if my health has suffered from using Ortho Evra?
If you have or are experiencing health problems from using the Ortho Evra birth-control patch, your immediate objective should be to seek medical attention. You should also seek the legal advice of an experienced Ortho Evra attorney who specializes in Ortho Evra lawsuits. Do not become a victim of potentially fatal health problems due to a hazardous pharmaceutical drug. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to contact a skilled Ortho Evra lawyer today, and receive the just compensation you deserve.
What has the FDA done about Ortho Evra?
The Food and Drug Administration has warned women about the dangers of Ortho Evra and added a black box warning to the packaging of the drug. This warning explains the health risks associated with its use and outlines the birth-control side effects associated with Ortho Evra.
Why file an Ortho Evra lawsuit?
Millions of women have been persuaded by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. to trust the Ortho Evra transdermal birth control patch for protection against pregnancy, only to be confronted with emerging stories linking the drug to dangerous blood clots. In fact, by November of 2005, there were 23 deaths associated with Ortho Evra, of which 17 were directly related to blood clots.
Tragically, it wasn't until the FDA ordered Ortho McNeil to release a statement warning about the higher potential risks associated with using the patch over oral contraceptives on November 11 - and subsequently ordered Ortho McNeil to change the label on the package to reflect this danger - that women were properly warned of the serious consequences. And for many women, it was too late.
When consumer safety is jeopardized, pharmaceutical drug makers need to be held accountable. For more information about your specific Ortho Evra lawsuit, contact an experienced Ortho Evra lawyer today to explore the legal options available.