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New Blood Clot Warning For Women Using Ortho Evra Patch

Ortho Evra Contraceptive May Cause Blood Clot

A recent warning issued from Ortho McNeil, creators of the patch OrthoEvra, recently released a report stating women who use the patch are subject to 60% more estrogen than those choosing traditional birth control pills. This is because the estrogen released from the patch exits the bloodstream differently than estrogen absorbed from the pill.

While the patch is revolutionary, the associated side effects may outweigh any benefits the patch may present. Recent reports suggest that women using the patch are at a greater risk of dying of blood clots. Their risk may be as much as three times that of a woman taking birth control pills.

The Associated Press recently revealed that several young women died in the last year from blood clots believed to result from patch use. Many more suffered strokes or other blood clot related problems. Right now multiple lawsuits are pending associated with use of the patch in the last several years.

Spokespersons from Ortho McNeil suggested that new warnings be delivered to providers prescribing the patch to patients. Roughly 4 million women have used the patch since its start in 2002. Since then many women have filed lawsuits against the company for injuries or deaths resulting from Ortho Evra patch use. Studies by the FDA suggest the rate of blood clots among women is higher than has been reported.

Clearly use of the patch presents a much higher risk of blood clots than use of the birth control pill. Meanwhile Ortho McNeil is conducting its own studies to find out the safety and efficacy of further patch use. While the Ortho Evra patch contains a level of estrogen similar to that of the pill, women absorb much more when using the patch, which leads to problems.

Typically with pill use the body absorbs the estrogen through the digestive tract. Roughly half of the estrogen in the pill is lost while this happens. This is not the case with the patch, where virtually all the estrogen in the patch is absorbed by the body directly into the bloodstream.

It is possible the patch could be redesigned to address this problem. When it comes to your method of contraception or any medication, you have the right to know. If you are on the patch you should consult with your health care provider immediately about the risks associated with its use.