Info on the Ortho Evra Patch Lawsuit

The Ortho Evra transdermal birth control patch was first introduced in 2002 by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc. as an alternative to the birth control pill. The patch, as it is now known, was purported to be as effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy as traditional oral contraceptives, but offered the added convenience of a once a week application rather than a daily pill.

However, on November 10, 2005, the FDA ordered Ortho McNeil, a division of Johnson & Johnson, to issue a warning to the millions of women using Ortho Evra that the birth control patch exposed them to significantly higher doses of hormones (due to the elevated levels of estrogen produced) and may put them at greater risk for blood clots and other serious side effects. According to the warning, women using Ortho Evra are exposed to 60% more estrogen than those using typical birth control pills because hormones from patches released into the bloodstream are removed from the body differently than those from birth control pills. While enough of the hormone to prevent pregnancy is needed to make it into the bloodstream, too much of it can pose serious health risks. A 2004 study conducted by the FDA revealed that Ortho Evra caused a 300% increase of blood clot-related incidents - blood clots that can cause strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms which often prove fatal. If you or a loved one has suffered blood clots as a result of taking Ortho Evra, it is important to contact an experienced and dedicated Ortho Evra lawyer today to protect your legal rights and receive the financial compensation you deserve.

After the FDA warning was released in November 2005, Ortho McNeil was ordered to change the label on the package to reflect the potential danger, but for many women this warning came too late. Approximately 4 million women have used the Ortho Evra Patch since it went on sale in 2002 and since then there have been 23 deaths associated with Ortho Evra, of which 17 were directly related to blood clots. Earlier this year, the Associated Press reported that patch users die and suffer blood clots at a rate three times higher than women taking the pill. The FDA states that only 1% -10% of patch-related medical problems are actually reported so it is possible that these conditions are actually more prevalent than initially believed. Don't be a part of this low percentage. It is important to report any Ortho Evra medical problems to a doctor right away and consult with an experienced Ortho Evra lawyer for skilled legal counsel.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the negative side effects of Ortho Evra, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical and emotional injuries. It's important to take immediate action, as restrictive statutes of limitations can prevent you from collecting the compensation you are entitled. Successful defective drug litigation sends a clear message to the pharmaceutical industry about accountability and consumer safety. You are not alone in this fight. Contact an experienced and dedicated Ortho Evra lawyer today to discuss the litigation options that are available to you.

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