Ortho Evra Patch Lawyer Information
If you or a loved one has used the Ortho Evra Patch, then you probably have a good idea of what is at stake. While you were looking for a viable birth control option, you were exposed to higher levels of hormones than normal, which in turn led to increased estrogen production. The problem? Blood clots.
In the event that you have used the Ortho Evra Patch and have experienced a blood clot or other medical issue, you need to seek legal counsel immediately.
What is the Ortho Evra Patch?
Ortho McNeil’s Ortho Evra Patch was approved in 2001 by the FDA as a viable means of birth control even though a potential for increased risk of blood clots was known at the time. Knowing this, Planned Parenthood and doctors continue to push the value of the birth control patch to everyone who would listen. Whether it was meant to be a way to halt contraception or just flat-out a money maker – the Ortho Evra Patch became the birth control method of choice for many young women. The ease of use and length of its effectiveness, a once per month use applied to the skin as opposed to a pill that needed to be remembered and taken daily, made it a no-brainer for sexually active women who desired to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
The Ortho Evra Patch contains progestin and estrogen (hormones) that are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at the application site. The patch delivers more hormones than a standard birth control pill. As with any medication, device or treatment designed to prohibit pregnancy – regular checkups with a family physician to monitor for side effects is advisable. After all, the purpose of the Ortho Evra Patch is to inhibit the natural processes of a woman’s body, curtail the production of eggs or halt the fertilization of the egg – knowing how the body works tells us that the use of the patch is to curb the nature of reproduction.
Has the Ortho Evra Patch Been Recalled?
The patch has not been recalled. However, in November of 2005, the FDA did issue a warning to the public acknowledging the increased risk of blood clots. This directly followed a study which concluded that using the Ortho Evra Patch caused a 300 percent increased risk of blood clots—not exactly odds in your favor, are they?
As a result of this FDA announcement, makers of the patch were forced to provide a new warning label on the product packaging making women aware of the possible complications and elevated risks. However, this warning did not come soon enough for many women.
The FDA estimates that as much as 90 percent of medical problems related to the patch have not been reported. Are you a member of that overwhelming majority? If so, do not keep it a secret. Do not suffer in silence one minute longer. The time to seek justice is now. Let us help.
Who should not use the Ortho Evra Patch?
Those with certain conditions are more at risk for Ortho Evra Patch complications than others. Do not use the Ortho Evra Patch if you have any of the following conditions:
- a history of heart attack or stroke
- blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis) , lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes
- a history of blood clots in the deep veins in your legs
- an inherited problem that makes your blood clot more than normal
- chest pain (angina pectoris)
- known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix or vagina
- unexplained vaginal bleeding (until your doctor reaches a diagnosis)
- hepatitis or yellowing of the whites of your eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during previous use of hormonal contraceptives
- liver tumor (benign or cancerous)
- known or suspected pregnancy
- severe high blood pressure
- diabetes with complications of the kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels
- headaches with neurological symptoms
- use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- disease of heart valves with complications
- need for a prolonged bed rest following major surgery
- an allergic reaction to any of the components of Ortho Evra Patch
If you have had or experienced any of the above conditions, your health professional should suggest a non-hormonal contraceptive. As you may have noticed – many of the noted conditions are based on the blood clot issues. This was a well-known issue from the beginning by the manufacturer.
Signs of Serious Side Effects in Relation to Ortho Evra Patch Usage
While some people use the patch with great success, as mentioned above, there is a chance that you will experience side effects serious enough to have you considering an Ortho Evra Patch lawsuit. The risks of hormonal contraceptives include not only increased likelihood of blood clots, but also: heart attacks and stroke, gallbladder disease, benign but dangerous liver tumors, breast and cervical cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms? It is important to talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- sharp, chest pain, coughing blood or a sudden shortness of breath
- pain in your calf
- crushing chest pain or tightness in the chest
- sudden, severe headache
- partial or complete loss of vision
- breast lumps
- severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area
- severe problems sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue or mood changes
- jaundice, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine or light-colored bowel movements
These dangerous signs are listed on their website. Notice, it seems that there is no slight danger listed at all. Every symptom that you should report to your doctor points to a life-threatening condition – from heart attacks to liver issues. Is there no middle ground? No slight symptom that might just be an inconvenience?
Whether you realize it or not, using the Ortho Evra Patch might be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. Do you need an Ortho Evra Patch as your contraceptive of choice? Is it to prevent pregnancy or the added side effect of halting your menstrual cycle? Are you using the patch and considering switching to a new contraceptive? And moreover, have you developed blood clots since starting the patch?
Our advice? Speak to your doctor and carefully weigh your options. It is difficult to identify the Pros with this option when the Cons are so prevalent.
Hire an Ortho Evra Patch Recall Lawyer Today
If potentially life threatening side effects you are dealing with are causing you to consider an Ortho Evra Patch lawsuit, then you are probably exhausted with trying to figure out which way to turn. Well, worry no more. We can help. An Ortho Evra Patch recall attorney from the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm is standing by, ready to offer his advice. Here is what to expect when you give us a call:
- We offer you a free consultation — We will review your medical history and give you an honest appraisal of your ability to recover your losses. If we think you have a case, we will gladly handle it for you. We will do our very best to handle the burden from you. There will be no need for you to worry about whom to hold responsible any longer. We will figure that out for you. And in the event that we feel you do not have a case, we will let you know upfront. It does not hurt to call and find out!
- You can finally relax — It is a tough decision that you have reached. We realize the stress that you must be experiencing. Dealing with the side effects, searching for an Ortho Evra Patch attorney. Well, don’t let it bother you for one more minute. We are ready to take over for you. From the initial phone call to the final appearance in court, we are your voice. And that means you can finally take a deep breath and quit wondering how you are going to afford to pay for the medical treatment you now require as a result of complications with the patch.
- We will fight for you with the utmost aggression — Each Ortho Evra Patch case we represent is managed with expert due diligence. Our goal is to offer you protection and right the wrong done to you. That means we fight for your rights at all cost. As soon as we reach an agreement to take on your case — as soon as that bell rings — we come out swinging.
Call now. The sooner you call an Ortho Evra Patch attorney at the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm, the sooner your concerns will be addressed and you will have a real fighting chance at being compensated fairly.