Ortho Evra patch problems double the risk of blood clots

By Austin Kirk
Posted February 19, 2007

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Problems continue to mount for Johnson & Johnson, the maker of the Ortho Evra patch used by millions of woman for birth control.  Lawsuits are pending against the drug maker for failing to adequately warn that the patch increases the risk of blood clots, which could lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks or strokes.  A new study now provides further evidence that women who use the birth control patch are twice as likely to develop the potentially fatal blood clots, when compared with the birth control pill.

>>INFORMATION: Ortho Evra patch problems

The new Ortho Evra patch study was reported in the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Researchers examined data for over 250,000 women who used birth control between April 2002 and December 2004.  Approximately 20% of the women used the Ortho Evra patch, while the rest used oral birth control pills.  Researchers found that the risk of dangerous blood clots was 2.2 times higher for those who used the birth control patch.

ORTHO EVRA PATCH LAWSUITS

Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is pursuing Ortho Evra patch lawsuits for women who have suffered deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, strokes or death as a side effect of the birth control patch.  Although the manufacturer was aware of the risks associated with their product before it was sold, they have failed to adequately warn users of the Ortho Evra patch problems.

It was not until September 2006 that the Ortho Evra patch warning label was changed to indicate the increased risk of blood clots.  Prior warnings only indicated that the patch exposed women to 60% more estrogen than birth control pills.  However, many experts believe that the current warnings are still insufficient to protect women and there have been calls for an Ortho Evra patch recall.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered an injury after using the Ortho Evra patch for birth control, there may be compensation available.  To determine if you may be eligible for a claim, request a free case evaluation.