Ortho Evra Patch Litigation at The Lanier Law Firm
The Ortho Evra Patch (Norlegstromin/ethinyl estradiol) is an adhesive, transdermal birth control patch manufactured by Ortho-McNeil, a division of Johnson & Johnson. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2001. Unlike the birth control pill, which is ingested and metabolized by the body's digestive system, the medication in Ortho Evra is released directly into the bloodstream. Since its launch, more than 4 million women have used the Ortho Evra Patch.
In November 2005, the FDA approved an updated label for Ortho Evra to warn healthcare providers and patients that the patch exposed women to higher levels of estrogen than most birth control pills. Increased estrogen exposure has been known to increase the risk of blood clots. According to the FDA's press release, the revised warning was the result of the FDA's and Ortho-McNeil's analysis, directly comparing the levels for estrogen and progestin hormones in users of Ortho Evra with those in a typical birth control pill.
Based on recent reports and research, Ortho Evra is believed to be associated with heart attacks, strokes and pulmonary embolism, caused by blood clotting. It is alleged that Ortho-McNeil was aware of the increased medical risks associated with Ortho Evra before the drug was approved and that, once approved, the company failed to adequately warn patients about these risks.
If you or a loved one has used the Ortho Evra Patch and suffered side effects, please contact our office for a free evaluation.
Ortho Evra Patch Information Links:
2005 FDA Ortho Evra Patch News Release
2005 FDA Ortho Evra Patch Patient Information Sheet
2005 FDA Ortho Evra Patch Questions and Answers
"Birth Control Patch Users Warned", CBS News: The Early Show (November 11, 2005)
