-September 25, 2007
Hundreds of previous Ortho Evra users are filing suits against the drug’s manufacturers accusing them of knowing of the harmful effects of the medication, but still marketing the birth control as “safe.”
The plaintiffs believe that the company had knowledge that the form of birth control had a high risk of causing blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.
Two former employees of Johnson & Johnson have confirmed the plaintiff’s accusations.
Past Problems with Ortho Evra
In 2002, Johnson & Johnson introduced the birth control patch that only needed to be used daily as opposed to taking a daily pill.
However, in 2005 the FDA warned consumers that the patch showed risks since it exposed users to 60 percent more estrogen than those who use contraceptive pills.
High levels of estrogen have been known to increase the chances of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
Since the FDA’s findings, the patch has been involved in more than 2,500 lawsuits.
Former Employees Speak Out
In 2006, Joe Lippman voiced his concerns regarding the Ortho Evra claiming it contained “dangerously high levels of estrogen.”
However, later than year he was fired and his concerns were ignored.
An anonymous letter was also written by one of the companies vice president’s to CEO, William Weldon, about the dangers of the patch.
The letter stated that he or she was resigning due to the company’s downplaying of the harmful side effects of Ortho Evra.
This letter was recently released by the New Jersey Superior Court and has encouraged even more previous users of the patch to take legal action.
(Source: News Inferno)
Have you been harmed by the side effects of Ortho Evra? Contact us to speak with an experienced attorney and to take legal action.
