Parker Waichman LLP

Warning added to birth control patch

Birth Control Patch May Increased The Risk Of Blood Clots. Women were warned Wednesday that their risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs may be higher if they use the birth control patch instead of the pill. The Food and Drug Administration said it updated the label on the Ortho Evra birth control patch […]

Birth Control Patch

Birth Control Patch May Increased The Risk Of Blood Clots. Women were warned Wednesday that their risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs may be higher if they use the birth control patch instead of the pill.

The Food and Drug Administration said it updated the label on the Ortho Evra birth control patch to reflect the results of one study that found women using the patch faced twice the risk of clots than did women on the pill.

However, a second study found no difference in risk between the two forms of birth control.

“Even though the results of the two studies are conflicting, the results of the second epidemiology study support FDA’s concerns regarding the potential for Ortho Evra use to increase the risk of blood clots in some women,” the FDA said in a notice published on its Web site.

Initial results of the two studies were made public in February by the patch’s manufacturer, Ortho Women’s Health & Urology. The Raritan, N.J.-based company is owned by Johnson & Johnson.

Blood Clots In Women Using The Patch

Last year an investigation by the Associated Press, citing federal death and injury reports, found higher rates of blood clots in women using the patch.

The FDA recommended that women with concerns about clots and use of the patch talk to their doctors.

“We cannot conclude there is in fact a greater risk,” Shames said. “We are however concerned enough about this information and we think it is important enough information that it should be given to consumers and to health care providers so they can make better choices.”

In November, the FDA updated the label on Ortho Evra to alert women that using the patch exposes them to about 60 percent more estrogen than using birth control pills.

Johnson & Johnson previously has said clots remain rare and that they have been reported as a potential risk of all hormonal contraceptives.

Dr. Daniel Shames, of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said the studies, which rely on insurance claims information on upward of 500,000 women, would last another 18 to 24 months.

The company also said it would continue to provide new information to the FDA.

The company reported in filings made last month that Ortho Evra sales have declined significantly following the previous label revision and a spate of media coverage of the clot issue.

Since the patch went on sale in 2002, more than 4 million women have used it.

The company disclosed that about 500 people have filed lawsuits or made claims related to injuries they allegedly suffered from over the Ortho Evra patch.

Need Legal Help Regarding Birth Control Patch?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
To the employees Ana, Jorge & Jillian. I am very thankful for the effort that they did all this time in my case, they are helpful people and they take their job seriously. Thank You regards Jose Aguaiza.
franklin orlando
8 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Joseph Cento
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
It was so easy working with PW, I was kept informed about everything. I was very please with the service.
Joseph Saberito
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038