Ortho Evera Recall
Although the Ortho Evra patch has been linked to deaths of at least 23 women in recent years, Ortho-McNeil has given no indication that it plans to issue an Ortho Evra recall.
Women have suffered fatal heart attacks, blood clots, pulmonary embolisms and strokes after using the Ortho Evra patch.
There has been no Ortho Evra recall despite mounting evidence of its links to stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolisms, blood clots and even death.
Up to 60% more estrogen
Using the Ortho Evra patch exposes a woman to up to 60% more estrogen than with birth control pills. The FDA warns that extended exposure to higher levels of estrogen puts Ortho Evra patch users at an increased risk of blood clots and other serious birth control patch side effects.
What does the FDA say about the Ortho Evra patch?
In January 2008, the FDA warned patients who use the Ortho Evra patch that they are more likely to suffer blood clots than women who use birth control pills. This announcement strengthened the findings of an earlier warning, which was issued after a study revealed that Ortho Evra users are twice as likely to experience blood clots as women on the pill.
The FDA says that the Ortho Evra patch exposes women to a 60% higher dose of estrogen than with birth control pills. Exposure to high levels of estrogen has been linked with a higher risk of serious Ortho Evra side effects, including blood clots, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and stroke.
What do doctors say about the Ortho Evra patch?
“There is no medical reason for women to use the more dangerous Ortho Evra rather than one of the older, better understood, and equally effective oral contraceptives,” says Dr. Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group.
