Ortho Evra - Strokes and blood clots or DVT
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 335
Have you suffered a stroke, a heart attack or experienced blot clots after wearing the Ortho Evra patch for birth control? If so, you may have a claim that is compensable. Here are some of the facts to consider. Did you know cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects? Smoking while using the patch, is strongly advised against. If you are over 35 years of age the risk of suffering these side effects is increased. I'm purposefully trying to keep this simple. If you have questions ask your doctor. If you have a claim call an attorney.
You may ask, "So what's the risk of taking Ortho Evra?" Here is what the FDA found: The addition of this new warning is a result of FDA's and the manufacturer's analysis directly comparing the levels for estrogen and progestin hormones in users of Ortho Evra with those in a typical birth control pill. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of blood clots. However, it is not known whether women using Ortho Evra are at a greater risk of experiencing these serious adverse events.
The new bolded warning specifically states that women who use Ortho Evra are exposed to about 60 percent more total estrogen in their blood than if they were taking a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. However, the maximal blood level of estrogen (peak blood levels) is about 25% lower with Ortho Evra than with typical birth control pills. While the estrogen level with the patch remains constant for one week until the patch is removed, the peak blood levels with a daily birth control pill rapidly declines to levels that are lower than on the Orthro Evra.
Know the risks and balance those increased risks against the benefits gained.
The Patch has hormones and there are serious risks, which can be life threatening, including blood clots, stroke and heart attack. If you have a history of any of these conditions, some cancers, or if you are or might be pregnant, the Patch isn't for you. Smoking increases these risks, especially if you're over 35.
Ortho Evra can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before using Ortho Evra (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use Ortho Evra if you have:
a history of a stroke or blood clot;
circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
liver disease or liver cancer;
severe high blood pressure;
severe migraine headaches;
a heart valve disorder; or
a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.
Before using Ortho Evra, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may not be able to use the medicine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;
high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
kidney disease;
a history of depression;
gallbladder disease;
diabetes;
seizures or epilepsy; or
a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.
The hormones in Ortho Evra can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Ortho Evra may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.
