Ortho-Evra Birth Control Patch Side Effects

Ortho Evra birth control patches have been linked to serious side effects which could be potentially fatal.  The transdermal contraceptive patch was introduced in early 2002, and it has been estimated that over five millions young woman have used the product.

Ortho Evra side effects could cause the following serious injuries:

• Heart Attack (myocardial infarction)
• Stroke (including cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral thrombosis)
• Blood Clots
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary Embolism

BIRTH CONTROL PATCH DELIVERS STRONGER DOSES

The Ortho Evra patch contains two hormones which work to prevent pregnancy, estrogen and progestin.  The patch is worn on the shoulder, arm, abdomen or on the back near the buttock.  The directions call for users to wear the patch for three out of every four weeks.

Although the manufacturer indicated that the birth control patch was similar to the birth control pill, they are very different.  The hormones are not metabolized through the intestine and liver like the oral pills.  Rather, they are transmitted transdermally, through the skin.  This results in women receiving much larger doses of estrogen then they would ingest with the pill.

The Ortho Evra patch also results in constant exposure to estrogen. With the pill, women have an initial spike which then immediately comes down.  As a result of this constant exposure, women receive approximately 60% more estrogen with the patch compared to the pill.

Since 1988 the FDA has restricted birth control pills to doses under 50 micrograms of estrogen.  This limitation was enforced because of the danger posed to women with that level of estrogen.  However, the Ortho Evra patch delivery results in approximately 56 micrograms of estrogen.

Another problem with the birth control patch is associated with the other hormone, progestin.  Ortho Evra uses a 3rd generation progestin, known as Norelgestromin.  This third generation progestin is more dangerous than second generation progestin and increases the risk of thrombolic events.

ORTHO EVRA PATCH SIDE EFFECT RISK MAY BE GREATER THAN BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

Since Ortho Evra was introduced, it remains the only transdermal contraceptive patch.  Studies have shown that the risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots and suffering other adverse events is significantly increased with use of Ortho Evra compared with traditional birth control pills.

The best selling birth control pill, Ortho Tri-Cyclen has six times more users than Ortho Ever. However, the pill had under 1,300 reported adverse events over a six year period, compared with over 9,000 adverse events reported for Ortho Evra during just 18 months.

ORTHO EVRA BLOOD CLOT SIDE EFFECTS

Studies have shown that the risk of suffering blood clots is three times higher among women using the birth control patch, compared with women who use birth control pills.  Blood clots can lead to serious injuries as a side effect of Ortho Evra when blood platelets interrupt the flow of blood through arteries or travel to the heart, brain or lungs where they can cause potentially fatal complications

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or arms.  If a deep vein thrombus comes loose, it can enter the lung through the blood streat, resulting in pulmonary embolism, which can cause sudden death.   Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include: sudden shortness or breath, chest pain, pain with deep breaths, coughing up blood and increased heart beat.

ORTHO EVRA SIDE EFFECT CASES

Ortho Evra side effect lawsuits are no longer being investigated for users who have suffered injuries as a result of the birth control patch.