Ortho Evra

The Ortho Evra birth control patch is a convenient form of contraceptive which can reduce the likelihood of missing a dose. However, it can have fatal side effects. Survivors can suffer permanent damage to their health. Ortho Evra has been linked to cardiovascular conditions in otherwise healthy women in their teens and early twenties, and has been blamed for over 20 deaths.

Ortho Evra and Blood Clots

The Ortho Evra patch contains the same ingredients as most combination birth control pills, but delivers a much higher dose of estrogen. High levels of estrogen can cause blood clots. When you take a pill you get a lower dose of medication because it has to pass through your digestive system. With the transdermal patch the drug goes directly into your bloodstream. Estrogen delivery is increased by about 60% over what you normally get out of a 35 microgram birth control pill.

Ortho Evra Side Effects

Ortho Evra has been linked to many dangerous side effects including:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - blood clots in the legs
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - blood clots in the lungs
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Gall bladder problems
• Liver problems
• Severe allergic reaction

Ortho Evra Symptoms

Ortho Evra is often taken by women in their teens and early twenties. Because they are not generally at risk for cardiovascular problems, women affected by Ortho Evra may not recognize the symptoms, and worse, doctors and emergency room staff may not consider cardiovascular events when young women complain of the symptoms.

Symptoms of DVT include:

• Tired leg
• Tender calf or thigh
• Warm skin
• Visible veins
• Pain and swelling in the affected leg
• Scaly, itchy, or discolored skin on the inside of the ankle
• Frequent skin ulcers

DVT does not always manifest noticeable symptoms. A blood clot in the leg can break loose and travel to the lungs causing PE. The symptoms of PE are often mistaken for pneumonia or a panic attack. About one-third of survivors of untreated PE go on to have a fatal second episode. Symptoms of PE include:

• Chest pain that is worse during exertion but does not go away with rest
• Shortness of breath even at rest
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Coughing up blood
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Excessive sweating
• Blue tint to the skin
• Anxiety
• Unexplained sense of impending doom

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