Ortho Evra: Contraceptive Patch Linked to Deadly Blood Clots, Other Problems
Ortho Evra is a birth-control patch worn on the skin that has been linked to dozens of deaths, injuries, and increased risks of potentially deadly strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. More than two million women have used Ortho Evra, which is promoted as being easier to use and just as effective as “the pill.”
However, women using the patch to avoid becoming pregnant may develop dangerous increases in estrogen levels, which can cause serious health complications. Ortho Evra exposes women to about 60 percent more estrogen than is delivered by most birth control pills, which contain 35 micrograms of the hormone, and can double the risks of serious blood clots, studies have found.
Blood Clots Risk Noted
Most of the 40 women who died while using Ortho Evra between 2002 and 2006 suffered blood clots, including venous thromboembolic events in the legs and lungs. There are greater risks of such life-threatening complications in Ortho Evra users compared to those taking traditional birth control pills.
In November 2005, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the risks of blood clots associated with Ortho Evra and concluded that the patch is no more effective than traditional birth control pills. Women who smoke are at even greater risks of health complications while using the patch.
Ortho Evra Patch Injuries
In addition to increased risks of potentially deadly heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, users of the Orth Evra birth-control patch have suffered the following serious injuries:
• Severe allergic reactions
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Liver problems
Related posts:
- Contraceptive Yaz Linked to Deadly Gallbladder Disease, Blood Clots The prescription birth-control drug Yaz and the related drugs Yasmin...
- Aranesp, Other Anemia Drugs Linked to Increased Blood Clots in Cancer Patients Using certain drugs to reduce the risks of anemia in...
- Ortho Evra Contraceptive Patch Blamed for Teen’s Deadly Pulmonary Embolism The Ortho Evra birth control patch is unreasonably dangerous compared...
- Woman Blames Birth Control Pill Yaz/Yasmin for Deadly Blood Clot A Texas woman is suing the makers of the birth...
- Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn’s Disease Drug Tysabri Linked to Rare, Deadly Brain Infection Tysabri, a drug prescribed to tens of thousands of multiple...
