Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Ortho Evra Linked to Serious Side Effects

Ortho Evra, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson / Ortho McNeil, is a transdermal birth control patch that is worn on the torso and delivers hormones through absorption into the skin.  The patch releases ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen hormone) and norelgestromin (a progestin hormone) through the skin into the blood stream. Approved in 2001, the patch was originally touted by its manufacturer as having similar side effects to oral contraceptive pills. However, Ortho Evra is associated with a higher risk of such adverse cardiovascular events as blood clots, heart attack and stroke. 

In November 2005, the FDA and Johnson & Johnson updated Ortho Evra’s label to warn consumers about the higher risk associated with the patch due to higher exposure to estrogen than with oral contraceptives.  The FDA indicated that due to the patch’s hormones being released directly into the bloodstream, women are exposed to 60% more estrogen than if oral contraceptives containing 35 micrograms of estrogen were taken orally and digested.  Ortho Evra is supposed to release 150 mcg of norelgestromin and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol into the bloodstream each day.

Ortho Evra Contraceptive Patch Risks

Ortho Evra has been associated with high blood clot rates.  Blood clots can lead to serious and life-threatening complications.

• Blood Clots
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Stroke
• Heart Attack

Ortho Evra appears to cause blood clots at a much higher rate than oral contraceptive pills.  This increased risk was not disclosed to women and has caused many unnecessary injuries and deaths since the patch's approval. 

How Mark & Associates, P.C. Can Help You

If you or a loved one have been affected, get legal help today.

• The team at Mark & Associates, P.C., has helped hundreds of women who used the Ortho Evra patch and who experienced serious side effects.  Our lawyers are actively representing women who experienced blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular side effects while using the transdermal patch.
• Mark & Associates, P.C. leaders in Ortho Evra litigation: Partner named Co-Chair of Plaintiff’s Science Committee in Ortho Evra Products Liability Multi District Litigation (MDL 1742)
• If you, your wife, daughter or another loved one suffered blood clots while taking Ortho Evra, you have legal rights and are urged to contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a FREE legal consultation.
• Our defective drug lawyers will fight to win compensation for victims of Ortho Evra side effects and complications.
• Mark & Associates, P.C. takes NO legal fees whatsoever unless we win or settle your Ortho Evra case.
• Call 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) to speak with a lawyer today, or fill out our case review form and someone will contact you.