Ortho Evra Linked to Blood Clots, Heart Attack, Stroke

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch

Manufactured by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical, the Ortho Evra birth control patch was introduced in 2002 as an alternative to the birth control pill. Now known as “the patch,” Ortho Evra prevented unwanted pregnancy just as effectively as the oral contraceptives, without the nuisance of taking a pill once a day. However, in 2005, the FDA advised Ortho McNeil to release a warning stating that women using the patch receive a higher dose of hormones and may be at a greater risk for blood clots.

According to the warning, women using the patch receive 60% more estrogen than those using oral contraceptives. Hormones released by Ortho Evra are removed from the body differently than those from birth control pills. While a higher amount of hormones released into the bloodstream is needed to prevent unwanted pregnancy, too much can lead to dangerous side effects. According to a 2004 FDA study, Ortho Evra caused a 300% increase of blood clot-related side effects including strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms.

More than 4 million women have used Ortho Evra since it was introduced in 2002. If you or a loved one has used the patch and suffered a serious side effect, fill out our free case evaluation form.