Ortho Evra Lawsuits and Case Studies
Ortho Evra Lawsuits
Ortho Evra Lawsuits Mounting
As more women become victims of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms while using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, more lawsuits are being filed against maker Ortho McNeil, a Johnson and Johnson company.
Many attorneys and medical experts predict that the number of Ortho Evra lawsuits filed against the company may increase significantly as more information becomes available to consumers.
The number of patients who have suffered serious side effects such as blood clot, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other cardiovascular events may be much higher than originally predicted.
Prior to the 2005 FDA warning of the higher risks of stroke, heart attack and blood clot associated with the higher estrogen levels in Ortho Evra, many physicians and women using the drug were not aware that their health issues might have been linked to the patch. Many of the women who have experienced problems have been otherwise healthy, young women with no history of clotting or cardiovascular issues. There have been more than four million women who have used the patch since its 2001 introduction to the market.
How to File an Ortho Evra Lawsuit
If you have experienced serious conditions such as blood clot, heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism while using the Ortho Evra patch, you might want to explore the possibility of filing a lawsuit against maker Ortho McNeil. Attorneys associated with this Web site who are knowledgeable in birth control product lawsuits can evaluate your case free of charge.
In general, the existing Ortho Evra lawsuits are based on the high levels of estrogen released by the patch, which may expose patients to up to 60 percent more estrogen than the birth control pill, thus significantly increasing the risk of blood clots, which may prove fatal. There have been reports of more than twelve deaths of Ortho Evra patch users under the age of 35.
Settlement from Ortho Evra Patch Maker
In April 2006, Ortho Evra patch manufacturer Ortho-McNeil reportedly awarded cash settlements to women who experienced serious blood clots while using the birth control patch. This was apparently one of a dozen or more settled lawsuits by the company, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Many other cases are still pending.
While it is sometimes difficult to link drugs directly to a death or injury when other health problems are present in a patient, many of these Ortho Evra patch incidents have occurred in otherwise healthy young women with no prior medical problems. A life-threatening blood clot that occurs in a patient of child-bearing age with a clean bill of health and no medical conditions who regularly uses hormonal birth control like Ortho Evra often makes a strong case.
In 2005 the FDA even issued a warning to women using the Ortho Evra patch that they have a higher risk of blood clots and serious cardiovascular events. One news story reported that Ortho-McNeil had received more than 500 complaints from Ortho Evra users about serious health problems while using the patch between 2002 and 2004. During the same time frame, just 61 women using oral contraceptives reported similar problems.
The drug manufacturer has admitted that the Ortho Evra patch releases up to 60% more estrogen into the blood stream than birth control pills. This higher estrogen exposure significantly increases the risks of complications.
One study even showed up to SIX TIMES HIGHER RISK of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot associated with the Ortho Evra patch as compared to the birth control pill.
Should Ortho Evra Be Recalled?
Some physicians, researchers and consumers say that Ortho McNeil should recall the Ortho Evra birth control patch. Since its approval in 2001, Ortho Evra has been used by more than 4 million women and has recently been the subject of more and more litigation and media coverage. With more women reporting blood clot, stroke, heart attack and other side effects associated with the birth control patch, there have been more reports of litigation involving this drug.
Some people are even questioning whether the drug manufacturer covered up or avoided receiving information about the adverse side effects of Ortho Evra. They certainly didn't report the fact that women using the patch could be exposed to up to 60% more estrogen than in an oral contraceptive.
Ortho Evra continues to be used by millions of women, even while the FDA and others continue to investigate the reported life-threatening side effects. Ortho-McNeil continues to market the Ortho Evra patch as a safe, effective alternative to birth control pills.
The serious dangers of blood clots as a result of high doses of estrogen were proven years ago, and recognized by the FDA when it required drug makers to remove birth control pills with high doses of estrogen from the market. What are they waiting for?
ORTHO EVRA CASE STUDIES
Ortho Evra Blood Clots
According to the FDA, there have been at least 12 blood clot deaths reported among women using Ortho Evra.
In April 2004 an 18-year-old fashion student died while using the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch. According to the medical examiner, a blood clot had moved into the victim's lung, which may have been a direct result of the contraceptive.
Since then, Ortho Evra blood clot lawyers across the country have been filing lawsuits against the patch maker, Ortho McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It is estimated that more than 100 women and/or their families have filed lawsuits, including the following:
In May 2004 a 14-year-old, eighth grade girl died as a result of a venous thrombosis in her pelvis after using the Ortho Evra patch for eight weeks.
In June 2004 a 20-year-old woman experienced a deadly pulmonary embolism after using Ortho Evra for 10 months.
In July 2005 a 30-year-old woman with no prior history of health problems came to her hospital with blood clots in her legs, which proved to be fatal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) related to her use of Ortho Evra skin patches.
In September 2005 a 37-year-old woman suffered a pulmonary embolism that required hospitalization, which was attributed to her seven-month use of the Ortho Evra patch.
Some fear that there are and will be many more tragic stories like these associated with the use of the Ortho Evra birth control patch.
