Dangers Of The Ortho Evra Patch
The Ortho Evra patch was introduced to the market, including Atlanta, Georgia, for woman as a quick and efficient alternative form of contraception. Unfortunately, since the Ortho Evra patch hit the market and has been used by some four million women, there have been reports of almost two dozen injuries sustained by women that estrogen related.
Towards the end of 2005, the FDA announced a revision in the Ortho Evra labeling which now makes users more aware of the increased dose of estrogen the patch provides and the risks associated with that increased hormone level.
The contraceptive patch, made only by Johnson & Johnson in the form of the Ortho Evra patch is a synthetic hormone contraceptive. By releasing a specific amount of estrogen and other hormones through the patch and into the body, ovulation is inhibited and pregnancy is therefore prevented. There have long been risks associated with taking any kind of oral contraceptive, including elevated risks of blood clots and heart attack, particularly in smokers.
The Ortho Evra patch carries the same risks for potential side effects including some weight gain, urinary tract infections, skin problems, headaches and changes to menstrual flow. Other side effects can include breast tenderness, including enlargement, depression and nausea. The main issue with the patch is that the method of delivering the estrogen into the body may mean that higher levels of the hormone are being released and therefore potentially increasing risks. In fact, the drug maker has stipulated to the fact that the patch releases up to 60% more estrogen than an oral contraceptive. There have been studies that show an increased risk of thromboembolic episodes, or blood clots related to the patch and studies that counter those findings.
In April of 2006 it was widely reported that Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries have been settling a number of wrongful death and product liability lawsuits related to the Ortho Evra birth control patch. Specifically, Ortho-Mcneil in Raritan, N.J. have been approaching all claimants and attorneys and have already paid out millions of dollars to women and the families of women who have been injured or killed by the Ortho Evra patch.
If you or a loved one has been injured or died as a result of the use of the Ortho Evra patch in Atlanta, Georgia, anywhere in or outside the United States, I would invite you to please visit either one of my two websites, www.samlevine.com or www.atlantainjurylawyer.net or contact my law office, Sam Levine, Attorney at Law.
