Ortho Evra Overview, Ortho Evra Side Effects

Ortho Evra is a relatively new type of hormonal birth control device that is manufactured and marketed by Ortho-McNeil (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson). The Ortho Evra birth control patch (often referred to as "the patch") is a form of hormonal contraception, meaning that it functions by delivering controlled doses of synthetic estrogen and progestin. The hormonal treatments effectively alter a woman's reproductive system, temporarily inhibiting ovulation and preventing pregnancy.

Ortho Evra is the only transdermal birth control patch that has been approved as a mode of contraception by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ortho Evra Side Effects

Use of the Ortho Evra skin patch has been attributed to causing a number of side effects, some of which are common and mild, others of which are severe and can cause serious health hazards. The most common Ortho Evra side effect is breast-related; women often experience breast tenderness, breast enlargement or breast secretion. Some of the other common Ortho Evra side effects include nausea, headache, upper-respiratory infections, abdominal pain and menstrual cramping.

In addition to the common and somewhat mild Ortho Evra side effects, there are a number of serious ones that have the potential of causing severe injury or death.

Ortho Evra Blood Clots

The development of an Ortho Evra blood clot is the most serious side effect associated with use of the transdermal skin patch. Ortho Evra blood clots form as the result of the increased estrogen levels that are produced by hormonal contraceptives. While the blood clot risk exists with all types of hormonal contraception, it has been determined to be three times as high with regards to the Ortho Evra skin patch.

When a blood clot forms, it can slow the flow of blood throughout sections of the body. If a blood clot causes complete closure of a blood vessel, it is referred to as a thrombus. A thrombus is an incredibly dangerous blood clot that typically results in heart attack or stroke. Blood clots caused by Ortho Evra in the legs are referred to as Ortho Evra thrombosis. If a blood clot becomes dislodged and travels through the bloodstream, it can be equally dangerous; a blood clot that enters into the heart or lungs could potentially result in heart attack or stroke.

A 2005 report filed by the FDA determined that at least 12 women have died as a result of Ortho Evra blood clots (countless more have developed non-fatal injuries).

Ortho Evra Lawsuits

Ortho-McNeil has come under fire because of the injuries and deaths that have occurred as a result of Ortho Evra side effects (specifically Ortho Evra blood clots). The company's refusal to accept responsibility for injuries caused by Ortho Evra has opened to the door to a slew of Ortho Evra lawsuits aimed at compensating the people who were victimized by the negligent behavior of Ortho-McNeil.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, contact the law offices of Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough to get information about your possible eligibility for compensation. More than 100 lawsuits have already been filed against Ortho-McNeil, several of which have been settled for millions of dollars. The law offices of Ortho-McNeil boasts a highly-trained staff of professionals geared towards providing clients with the personal injury compensation they rightly deserve.

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