Ortho Evra is designed as a birth control method in the form of skin patch for prevention of pregnancy. It is also called as combination hormonal contraceptive since it has two hormones involved: estrogen and progestin. Take note also that Ortho Evra does not protect you from HIV infections or AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases or STDs.

Who should avoid using Ortho Evra?

Cigarette smoking has the potential of increasing the risks of side effects on the heart and blood vessels as a result of using the hormonal birth control methods such as Ortho Evra. The risk can increase with the age and with users who are heavy smokers like 15 or more cigarettes daily, and affects women in their 35 years old and older. Women who are using hormonal birth control methods must not smoke.

Ortho Evra should be avoided by women who have history of:

• Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs
• Blood clots in the legs, eyes, or lungs or known as pulmonary embolism
• Heart attack or stroke
• Chest pain
• Present unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Benign or cancerous liver tumor
• Suspected or known breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, vagina, or cervix
• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin or condition known as jaundice during the pregnancy period or during previous use of hormonal contraceptive methods
• Diabetes with complications of the kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, or eyes
• Severe hypertension of high blood pressure
• Suspected or present pregnancy
• Any allergy reactions to Ortho Evra or any of its components

Basic Precautions with Ortho Evra:

Ortho Evra can still be used safely by women, however, some women are at greater risks of developing severe illnesses that are deadly or can lead to temporary or permanent disability or even death.

The risks which are associated with the use of Ortho Evra will increase if you:

• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, or diabetes
• Have or had history of blood clotting disorders, chest pain or angina pectoris, stroke, cancer of the breast or any reproductive organs, heart attacks, benign or malignant liver tumors, or jaundice
• Smoke cigarettes

Ortho Evra can be less effective in controlling pregnancy in women who weigh over 198 pounds.

What should your healthcare provider know?

Inform your healthcare provider:

• If you smoke cigarettes
• About all the medications you are taking including the prescription and nonprescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some of the medications that you take may have an effect when taken with Ortho Evra, thus, making it less effective.
• All your medical conditions

What are the potential side effects of Ortho Evra?

Below is an incomplete list of side effects associated with the use of Ortho Evra; make sure that you discuss with your healthcare provider about other side effects. Here are some common side effects with the combination hormonal contraceptives like Ortho Evra:

• Vaginal discharges
• Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Menstrual changes
• Abdominal bloating and cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

Ortho Evra can also cause some skin irritations where the patch is applied.

New Updates of Ortho Evra

After some reviews made by the FDA and the manufacturer, it was found out that the users of Ortho Evra are subjected to 60% more of the total estrogen level in their blood compared to women who are taking the tradition birth control pill with 35 mg of estrogen. But the highest blood level of estrogen is about 24% less than with Ortho Evra, compared to the traditional oral contraceptives. Generally, increased estrogen may enhance the risks of blood clots. It is unknown if the women who are using Orto Evra are at higher risks of suffering with the side effects.

You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the details of Ortho Evra you want to know.

On Obtaining Legal Assistance

Since all medications have side effects, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to manufacture products that are reasonably safe, and to warn the medical community and the general public about the known potential risks associated with their products. If the manufacturer fails to do this, they can be held legally liable when the patients become ill or injured as a result of insufficient warnings or the unreasonably hazardous nature of their products, under the legal principle known as “product liability.”

If you or any of your family members suffered any symptoms or side effects which are associated with Ortho Evra, contact first your physician or healthcare provider. Then, you can look for an experienced lawyer who can help your explain your condition, discuss your options, and safeguard your legal rights to recover from any injury caused by using Ortho Evra.

Read also:

• Pharmaceutical Product Liability