Ortho Evra
Ortho Evra (known generically as ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) is a birth control patch made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.Ortho-McNeil is currently being investigated for failing to warn consumers that the risks of blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks are greater for women who use the Ortho Evra patch than for those who use birth control pills.
A possible reason for the increase in serious side effects for women on the patch may be that those who use Ortho Evra patches are exposed to 60% more estrogen than those who use a birth control pill. Ortho-McNeil changed the Ortho Evra warning label to include the risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, but also mentioned in the warning that such serious side effects occur infrequently.
However, a study of 800,000 women in 2004 showed that the risk of dying or suffering a blood clot was three times higher for those using the Ortho Evra Patch than for those using regular birth control pills. A report released by the Associated Press International made public at least a dozen deaths caused by blood clots likely related to use of the Ortho Evra Patch. The number of women who suffered strokes and heart attacks but survived is likely much higher.
The Ortho Evra patch has been on the market since it was approved for use in 2002.
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using the patch and seek medical attention immediately: sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body; sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech or balance; chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, general ill feeling; a change in severity of migraines; dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, low fever; swelling in hands, ankles, or feet; a breast lump; or symptoms of depression.
Ortho Evra News
[ ORTHO EVRO: Volunteer TV ] May-17-07: Hundreds of local women are receiving letters, citing an American College of Gynecology study exposing the greater risk of deep vein thrombosis in women using the Ortho Evra birth control patch.[ ORTHO EVRA: Drug Newswire ] Feb-01-07: The only people to stand between the drug companies and the public to guard against this kind of conduct are the lawyers and the whistleblowers.
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