Personal Injury Blog

Women Need to Be Aware of the Risks of the Birth Control Patch

The Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal Patch has been widely promoted as a convenience for women.  No longer would they need to worry about remembering to take a daily birth control pill, as the birth control patch provided a much needed solution.  However, what many women failed to realize was that the birth control patch could lead to a serious condition known as pulmonary embolism.

A recent study confirmed the findings of other past research into the Ortho Evra patch – patients who use the birth control patch have a higher risk of developing blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism.  Blood clots that form in the body can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the right side of the heart.  If blood clots enter the pulmonary arteries, a blockage may occur.  The lungs are especially susceptible to blockages, as large amounts of blood travel through the body.  When blood clots are in the lungs, the condition is known as pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.

If you or a family member has used the Ortho Evra birth control patch, you need to know the symptoms of pulmonary embolism, as immediate medical attention will be needed.  Some of the symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody cough, swelling of the leg, lightheadedness, fever, rapid heartbeat, wheezing and a weak pulse.  If pulmonary embolism is treated right away, there is generally a good prognosis for the patient.

Due to the known risks of the Ortho Evra patch, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required the manufacturer to change the label to include the results of the recent study.  The birth control patch is still available on the market today.

If you have become ill due to the birth control patch, you need to contact an attorney to find out your legal rights.  Contact the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole at LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have been injured by the Ortho Evra patch.  

The article, “Women Need to Be Aware of the Risks of the Birth Control Patch,” has more information on this topic.