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July 16, 2005—The Associated Press reported that women using the Ortho
Evra birth control patch were at a significantly greater risk of suffering a blood clot compared
to women taking birth control pills.
The AP utilized the Freedom of Information Act to force the FDA to
turn over reports of adverse drug reactions for Ortho Evra. The data demonstrated that women using
the Ortho Evra patch were three times more likely to suffer a blood clot than those taking pills.
The results are particularly alarming because these serious health problems are occurring in young,
healthy women.
The FDA reports show that at least 17 women using Ortho Evra have died of blood clots since the
patch was approved in November 2001. The actual number of women suffering fatal blood clots while
using Ortho Evra patches may be significantly higher, as the FDA estimates it is notified on only
a small percentage of adverse drug reactions that occur.
Ortho Evra was approved for use by the FDA in November 2001. The patch is available by prescription
only and works by releasing hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
If you or a loved one has used Ortho Evra birth control patches, we encourage you to learn more
about the Ortho Evra side effects.
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