Ortho Evra Patch

How does it work?

Ortho Evra is a weekly prescription birth control patch. It released hormones transdermally through the skin into the blood stream. Each week the patch is changed and put on a different part of the body. The hormones released are ethinyl estradiol (estrogen hormone) and norelgestromin (progestin hormone).

What are the risks?

A woman on Ortho Evra may be exposed to 60% more estrogen than a woman taking an oral birth control pill. High levels of estrogen can greatly increase the risk of developing blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and other serious injuries. Approximately 4 million women have used the Ortho Evra Patch since it went on sale in 2002. As of November 2005, the FDA had received twenty-one reports of life-threatening blood clots and other ailments associated with the use of Ortho Evra. It is thought 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.

What is being done?

In September 2006, results of a new study were released that confirmed previous studies showing an increased risk of blood clots associated with the use of Ortho Evra versus oral contraceptives. The study found that women using Ortho Evra were twice as likely to develop blood clots as those using oral contraceptive pills. In response, the FDA announced a revision to the label for the drug Ortho Evra, the only skin patch approved for birth control. This change includes a new bolded warning about higher exposure to estrogen for women using the weekly patch compared to taking a daily birth control pill containing a lower amount of estrogen. The original label stated that the health risks were similar to oral contraceptives.

We can help.

Hach & Rose is dedicated to protecting women’s rights and aggressively defending women against large drug companies who put their own interests ahead of those of their patients. If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, stroke, blood clot or other serious injuries after using Ortho Evra, contact an attorney at Hach & Rose immediately for an evaluation of your case.