Ortho Evra > Ortho Evra Patch Side Effects FAQ

Who should not use the Ortho Evra patch?

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious Ortho Evra side effects on the heart and blood vessels from the use of hormonal birth control methods. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use hormonal birth control methods should not smoke.

Ortho Evra should not be used by women who have a history of:

* heart attack or stroke
* blood clots in the legs, lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes
* blood clots in the deep veins of the legs
* chest pain
* known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix or vagina
* current unexplained vaginal bleeding
* yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during previous use of hormonal contraceptives
* liver tumor (benign or cancerous)
* current or suspected pregnancy
* severe high blood pressure
* diabetes with complications of the kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels
* an allergy to Ortho Evra or to any of its ingredients

General Precautions with the Ortho Evra patch:

For the majority of women, Ortho Evra can be used safely. But some women are at high risk of developing certain serious diseases that can be life threatening or may cause temporary or permanent disability or death. The risks associated with using Ortho Evra increase significantly if you:

* smoke
* have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
* have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors

Ortho Evra may be less effective in preventing pregnancy in women weighing more than 198 pounds.

What should I tell my healthcare provider when I ask about the Ortho Evra patch?

Tell your healthcare provider:

* about all your medical conditions
* if you smoke cigarettes
* about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can affect Ortho Evra and make it less effective.

What are some possible side effects of Ortho Evra? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Ortho Evra. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Some common side effects with combination hormonal contraceptives like Ortho Evra are:

* breast tenderness and enlargement
* headache
* nausea
* menstrual changes
* abdominal cramps and bloating
* vaginal discharge

Ortho Evra may also cause skin irritation at the application site.

What is the basis for the newly found Ortho Evra side effects?

As a result of further analysis by the FDA and the manufacturer, it has been found that users of Ortho Evra are exposed to about 60% more total estrogen in their blood than if they were taking a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. However, the highest blood level of estrogen (peak blood levels) is about 25% lower with Ortho Evra than with typical birth control pills. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of blood clots.

For more detailed information about Ortho Evra, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Ortha Evra Patch Side Effects can be fatal.
Contact an Ortha Evra Patch Side Effects Lawyer today.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as a result of Ortho Evra patch side effects, call the Ortho Evra patch side effects lawyers of VanDerGinst Law. P.C. at (877) 786-1LAW (877-786-1529) or submit the free online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your Ortho Evra patch side effects case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please contact our Ortho Evra patch side effects lawyers right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation. We can tell you if you have a case for a potential Ortho Evra patch side effects lawsuit as a result of a defective Ortho Evra patch. We would like to discuss your legal options if you have been put at risk due to Ortho Evra patch side effects.