Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Problems
ORTHO EVRA BIRTH CONTROL PATCH LINKED TO BLOOD CLOTS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM
The birth control patch Ortho Evra may cause blood clots in the legs and lungs, which may lead to more serious problems such as stroke or heart attack. A December 2005 lawsuit alleged the drug's manufacturer knew of the increased risk of blood clots and strokes but kept that information from physicians and health care providers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the transdermal contraceptive's labeling in November 2005. The drug's warning section now notes that the patch exposes women to higher levels of estrogen than most birth control pills. Estrogen use has been linked to blood clots. The Ortho Evra patch exposes women to 60% more estrogen than a typical birth control pill.
In April 2004, an 18-year-old woman who had been using the transdermal contraceptive died as a result of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung), and a lawsuit was filed over her death in December 2005. A July 2005 Associated Press (AP) analysis of adverse events reports filed with the FDA surrounding the patch said 17 patch users had suffered fatal heart attacks, blood clots, and possible strokes since August 2002.
There are also reports linking Ortho Evra to blood clots and cerebral hemorrhaging, or bleeding in the brain, which is very serious and can be fatal.
Ortho Evra is marketed by Ortho-McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).
Case Background
Ortho Evra (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) is a prescription birth control patch used for the prevention of pregnancy. The patch releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream. The problem is that these high levels of hormones can cause blood clotting issues, such as the formationof an emoblus (a blod clot) and this could cause severe health consequences.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Women with history of stroke, heart attack, or certain cancers should not use the Ortho Evra patch. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of blood clots, especially for women over 35.
A patient who has suffered a stroke may be treated with anti-clotting drugs, or anticoagulants, to break up the blood clot.
Signs of stroke include:
Sudden numbness or weakness
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Do I Qualify for an Ortho Evra Lawsuit?
If you or a member of your family has used the Ortho Evra patch, then you may qualify for a lawsuit claim. Thousands of people have already filed claims.
In America today there are thousands of mass lawsuits and billions of dollars in unclaimed monies available for victims. If you have been wronged by a major corporation, you may be entitled to compensation for treatments and pain and suffering.
If you believe you have been wronged, take action to protect your rights.
Fill out the form to the right or call 1.800.387.4262 if you need additional information or want to discuss a potential claim with an attorney. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day). Local counsel may be used for this matter.
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