A new product liability lawsuit has been filed against the maker of the once popular Ortho Evra birth control patch, claiming the contraceptive causes severe adverse events including death.
Ortho McNeil and other companies involved in the manufacturing and distribution of the patch are named defendants in the lawsuit, filed in California.
According to the lawsuit, the 46 female plaintiffs—most of which are teens and young adults—have suffered the serious side effects of Ortho Evra including leg and lung blood clots, stroke, and even death. In one particular case, a 23-year old woman who used the transdermal contraception for only one month developed blood clots in her legs and died.
This lawsuit is only one of hundreds against Ortho McNeil that claim the drug maker knew of the serious risks of the patch, but failed to warn physicians and consumers, thus making them liable for any damages sustained.
Deadly Risks of Ortho Evra
In 2001, the Ortho Evra birth control patch was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, bringing relief to millions of women who wanted a no-fuss method of contraception. The relief didn’t last long. In 2005, reports revealed that the patch was linked to deadly side effects—dangers that were ignored or downplayed by the drug manufacturer.
Further research indicates that women who use Ortho Evra are being exposed to up to 60 percent more estrogen than those taking the pill because the hormone is administered directly to the blood stream. High levels of estrogen significantly increase the risk of:
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)
- Stroke
- Death
- More
Have you suffered from Ortho Evra? You are not alone. Please click here to speak with a qualified and trusted product liability lawyer who can evaluate your case FREE of charge and inform you of your legal rights and options.
