Ortho Evra
Ortho Evra and Blood Clots
Because the Ortho Evra birth control patch releases hormones constantly into the bloodstream, users have a 60% higher level of estrogen in their system than do women taking birth control pills. Estrogen has long been recognized by doctors as a coagulant—that is, it increases the amount of blood that clots.
Although coagulation is an important body function that allows cuts and wounds to heal on their own, the results can be deadly when it occurs as a birth control patch side effect. The Ortho Evra patch has been linked with the deaths of at least 23 women, and in 17 of these cases the cause of death was blood clotting.
Ortho Evra and DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a form of blood clotting, has been identified as one of the most serious Ortho Evra side effects. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins located deep inside the leg, usually those nearest to the bones.
When DVT develops as a birth control patch side effect, blood flow through the leg slows down. In some cases, this can lead to a thrombotic stroke. In other instances, the blood clot formed by DVT can break loose and become an embolism. These detached blood clots then travel to the heart, lungs or brain, where they result in a heart attack or stroke.
A study estimated that women who used the Ortho Evra patch faced three times the risk of birth control patch side effects such as blood clots, compared with users of birth control pills.
Ortho Evra users who experience pain in their legs or groin should consult a doctor immediately, since this may be an early indication of blood clots in the legs.
If you have suffered blood clots or another serious Ortho Evra side effect after using the birth control patch, you may wish to contact an Ortho Evra lawyer to learn more about filing a birth control patch lawsuit.
