Ortho Evra Facts:

The FDA issued a warning in 2005 regarding Ortho Evra use that pointed out the dangers of an increased exposure to estrogen and a higher risk of blood clots when using this method of birth-control. The original label understated that the patch's risk, describing them as similar to the risks of the pill. Ortho-Evra's revised packaging information conceeds that women will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use "the patch" vs. if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen.

It is believed that the difference in exposure is related to the delivery mechanism of the birth control patch. Hormones in birth control pills are partially diluted by the digestive system. However, hormones in Ortho Evra are absorbed directly into the blood stream, which causes a higher concentration of the hormones to enter a patient's body. It is believed that these high levels of estrogen can greatly increase the risk of developing blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms and possibly death.

Recent reports have indicated that the risk of developing blood clots, pulmonary thromboembolism, heart attack and stroke may be significantly higher with the Ortho Evra patch than with oral contraceptive use. Pulmonary thromboembolism is a sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from the leg, but clots can also form in the pelvic vein. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, anxiety, chest pain, fainting and convulsions.

Usage:

The Ortho-Evra patch is a transdermal (across the skin) contraceptive patch applied to the skin. It releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent pregnancy. They are thought to have the same effectiveness as the combined oral contraceptive pill. Currently the only publicly available contraceptive patch is marketed under the brand name Ortho Evra. Contraceptive patches are often referred to by the slang term "the patch".

Litigation:

Lawsuits are being filed by young women who were using the Ortho Evra birth control patch and suffered strokes, heart attacks, deaths, blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and other serious injuries. These suits allege the manufacturer of the patch was aware of these serious risks and yet continued to aggressively market it to young women. Many of these lawsuits have been quickly settled by the manufacturer. The Ortho Evra settlements are confidential and the amounts have not been publicized.

If you or a loved one have been injured by Ortho-Evra please fill out our contact form and an experience DrugSettlement.com attorney or representative will contact you for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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