Johnson & Johnson Issues Patch Warning |
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nbc5i.com |
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November 29, 2006—A health alert is being issued for women who use a popular form of birth control patch. Johnson & Johnson is adding new warnings to its labels after the Canadian manufacturer of Ortho Evra revealed new dangers associated with the drug. The company is now warning women who use the patch to not expose it to sources of heat. Health officials said the added heat may cause an unintentional increase in estrogen exposure that could lead to blood clots. Johnson & Johnson make a similar version of the patch in the United States and updated its label in September to include the risk of blood clots. There is also a mention that increased exposure to estrogen were observed due to women being in a sauna, whirlpool or after using a treadmill. Elizabeth Barroso, of Fort Worth, said she is lucky to be alive and enjoying motherhood after a recent experience with the patch. Three weeks after starting to use the birth control patch Ortho Evra, Barroso said, a blood clot started to build up in her lung. "It was shortness of breath. It was just very painful to breathe and I had very bad pain in my lungs," said Barroso. Lawyer John David Hart wants more action and more warnings from manufacturers. "What will it take for the manufacturer either withdraw this drug from the market recall the drug or to give very very strict warnings to women and health care providers so they can make informed decisions," said Hart. "It's still out there. It's still being advertised and it's any easy method to use because you don't have to deal with the daily pill, etc. But just don't use it period. It's not worth you going through hell for the rest of your life," said Barroso. Johnson & Johnson said the new warnings about the patch with regard to the heat sources comes because the Canadian drug maker is revising its label for the first time in three years. |
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