What is Ortho Evra?

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., the maker of Ortho Evra, marketed the product heavily based on the convenience of the patch. A one-and-three-quarter inch patch is worn on the body for three consecutive weeks and removed for the fourth week, allowing the woman to have a menstrual period. The patient is able to wear the patch for a week at a time before changing it. This is supposed to prevent missing a daily oral birth control pill and, in turn, decrease the risk of becoming pregnant.

The patch consists of three layers--a seal, a medication compartment, and the adhesive back that attaches to the skin of the patient. The patch dispenses estrogen steadily rather than delivering it all at once. While pill users experience a spike in estrogen levels after taking it, patch users are exposed for a prolonged period of time. The increased risk for health problems has caused many to reconsider their choice of birth control.

The company initially failed to warn doctors and patients about the potential consequences of using the patch. Unfortunately, many young women died or suffered needlessly before a warning was added to the Ortho Evra label in November of 2005. The label now states that, compared to oral birth control which has 35 micrograms of estrogen, Ortho Evra dispenses 60 percent more to the user because of the way the hormones are transmitted. More of the chemicals are retained in the body when the patch is used, while excess estrogen is more effectively processed by pill users.

For many women, the higher estrogen level in the patch has resulted in blood clots, strokes, pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, and heart attacks. There are now lawsuits pending against Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. based on these serious side effects. Although dozens of women have died while using Ortho Evra, those who have been injured—even those who have not been hospitalized for their condition—may be eligible for compensation.

Ortho Evra Lawyers

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as a result of Ortho Evra, call the Ortho Evra lawyers of VanDerGinst Law. P.C. at (877) 786-1LAW (877-786-1529) or submit the free online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your Ortho Evra lawsuit, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please contact our Ortho Evra lawyers right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation. We can tell you if you have a case for a potential Ortho Evra lawsuit.