Dangerous Drugs - Ortho Evra

Missouri Ortho Evra Side Effects Lawyers

On March 2, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was launching a review of the safety of the Ortho Evra birth control patch, after receiving evidence that the patch is linked with a higher risk of side effects, namely blood clots and strokes, than previously determined. The announcement was issued during an investigation of the possible varied rate of absorption of the medication and related patch defects. The development of blood clots was especially alarming because this serious side affect was suffered by otherwise healthy, younger women.

The Ortho Evra patch works by releasing hormones into the bloodstream through the skin to prevent pregnancy. The product was initially marketed as being a convenient alternative to the birth control pill because it is applied weekly and carried less effects of nausea. The product is manufactured by Ortho McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and was approved by the FDA in November of 2001.

In November 2005 Ortho Evra was tied to a higher occurrence of blood clots and the agency warned patients in the form of new labeling which also alerted to the exposure to approximately 60 percent more estrogen than the average birth control pill. News of the association with Ortho Evra and the increased risk of blood clots came into light when the Associated Press forced the FDA to turn over reports of adverse reactions to the drug. In the reports it was documented that women using the Ortho Evra patch were three times more likely to suffer from blot clots compared to women taking birth control pills.

The FDA reports also showed that since 2001, at least 17 deaths had been associated with women who were using Ortho Evra. The inadequate handling of information regarding effects of Ortho Evra as well as several other drugs has caused to FDA to come under fire, especially for slow response to the public.

If you or a loved one has suffered a blood clot or stroke while using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Missouri Ortho Evra side effects lawyer at Page || Cagle right away. Call us 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.4658 to discuss your case and answer questions you may have. The consultation is free.

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