Drugs & Medical Devices

ORTHO EVRA

On November 10, 2005, the FDA announced a change to the labeling of the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho McNeil.  The Ortho Evra skin patch was the first skin patch approved for birth control.  The Ortho Evra patch is a weekly prescription patch that releases ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen hormone) and norelgestromin ( a progestin hormone).  The Ortho Evra contraceptive patch contains higher levels of a hormone known to cause blood clots than the average birth control pills.   Women who use Ortho Evra are subject to 60% more estrogen than those using the birth control pill.

According to FDA reports, a dozen women died last year from blood clots believed to be related to the Ortho Evra patch.   The reports also linked the birth control patch to dozens of other non-fatal strokes and blood clots.  The FDA said it has received 21 reports of life-threatening blood clots and other ailments associated with Ortho Evra use.

Approximately 4 million women have used the Ortho Evra patch since it went on sale in 2002.   FDA records show that seventeen (17) users of the Ortho Evra patch between the ages of 17 and 30 have suffered fatal heart attacks, blood clots, and possible strokes since August, 2002.   Ortho-McNeil, the manufacturer of the birth control patch, has aggressively marketed the patch as a convenient alternative to oral birth control pills.

If you or a loved one has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or serious clot while using the Ortho Evra patch, you may want to consider your potential legal claim for this loss.  If you would like Davis & Feder P.A. to evaluate your claim, contact us at 1-866-857-8500. Our experienced staff will assist you with your claim.