Ortho Evra® is a birth control patch which is worn on the skin and delivers a combination of birth control hormones via absorption through the skin - - ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norelgestromin (a second-generation progestin, or artificial hormone).  The patch is marketed by Johnson & Johnson and several of its related companies, including Ortho McNeil, as being more convenient than birth control pills.  With Ortho Evra®, a new patch is applied each week for three consecutive weeks.  During the fourth week, which is patch free, the woman experiences her menstrual cycle. 

 

Dangers of Ortho Evra®

 

Ortho Evra® birth control patches deliver a higher dose of estrogen than many other hormonal birth control methods, and higher doses of estrogen are correlated with an increased risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, and stroke.  Studies have shown that women using Ortho Evra® were more than twice as likely to suffer blood clots in comparison to women who use birth control pills.  As a result, the warning label for Ortho Evra® was changed in November 2005 to reflect this increased risk.  Even after this initial label change, additional studies, including a study in September 2006, confirmed the increased risk for blood clots with Ortho Evra® users.  Since that time, there have been three additional changes to the Ortho Evra® warning label about the increased risks of blood clots and other serious adverse events.

 

In developing and marketing Ortho Evra®, Ortho McNeil, a division of Johnson & Johnson, should have known that the patch delivered more estrogen into the blood stream than what was stated in the original label, up to 60% more than a 35 mg birth control pill. 

 

Compensation for Ortho Evra® injuries

 

Women who suffered blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks or strokes after using this birth control method deserve compensation for their injuries caused by Ortho Evra®. The lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton have been recognized for their leadership in pharmaceutical litigation based on their appointment to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) for the multidistrict litigation on Ortho Evra®. 

 

Our pharmaceutical injury lawyers stand up for victims throughout the country who have been injured by dangerous drugs. Schedule a free Ortho Evra® injury consultation today to learn more about your rights.