Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch

The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch is a commonly used and highly effective form of birth control that many women love to use because of its convenience and that it's so easy to use. However, as with any hormonal contraceptive, there are precautions, contraindications, and side-effects; some side-effects are merely bothersome, but others are much more serious. As a result of some women experiencing serious and life-threatening side-effects related to their use of the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, they have embarked on Ortho Evra lawsuits to sue the manufacturer, hiring Ortho Evra lawyers or Ortho Evra attorneys to defend them.

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Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Overview
The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, sometimes referred to as “the patch,” is a newer form of birth control that millions of women are choosing over other forms of contraception, including birth control pills, because of its high level of protection against pregnancy, the convenience factor, as well as the fact that it’s easy to use and discreet. Busy and highly active women especially seem to benefit from the patch, and according to clinical studies, are more likely to use it regularly and correctly than women on combination birth control pills.

The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch works as a contraceptive device in the same way that combination birth control pills do, even though these two forms of birth control are used differently. The patch delivers a steady stream of progestin and estrogen that is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream for a period of seven days. It prevents pregnancy just like birth control pills do: by preventing ovulation from occurring in the first place, thickening the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to survive and enter the uterus, and changing the endometrium, which reduces the likelihood of implantation.

How the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Works
The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch is just as effective as the Pill (99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly), but is used very differently. It is a weekly form of contraception contained in a small, thin, smooth, neutral-colored patch that is applied to the skin in one of four areas: on the upper outer arm, upper torso (the back or the front, except on the breasts), stomach (usually the lower stomach), or buttocks. The patch should not be placed anywhere where makeup, creams, lotions, or powders are normally used, or where there is any skin irritation.

The patch is very discreet and it’s hard to notice once it’s in place. It’s possible to choose a different part of the body for the next week’s patch, but never move the patch once it’s in place in the middle of the week.

The patch is kept in place on the chosen skin location for a week, after which a new patch is applied to the same or different area. This is done for three consecutive weeks; then, the user goes “patch-free” for a week to have their menstrual period. The patch does not fall off or lose its stickiness—it stays put even when it gets hot from extreme temperatures, cold from extreme temperatures, or wet from showering, bathing, swimming, exercising, or sweating.

Starting the Patch
If you want to start using the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, you need a prescription. In order to get one, you must make an appointment with your doctor to discuss whether the patch is right for you.

Once you have a prescription, you’ll need to figure out when you will start using it. You can choose to start on the first day of your period, which means you must apply your first patch sometime within the first 24 hours of your period—if you’re late, you’ll have to use back-up contraception like a condom for a week. This day will also become the day you change patches. Starting the patch on the first day of your period provides immediate protection from pregnancy.

The other option for a start day is the first Sunday after your period starts. Sundays will then become your patch change day. Unless the first day of your period happens to fall on a Sunday, you will need to use back-up contraception (condom, etc.) for any sexual activity during the first seven days of patch use. Starting your first patch on any day other than the first day of your period will produce a delay in protection for a week, which means you must use another form of (non-hormonal) contraception during that time.

To apply the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, open and peel the foil pouch, remove the clear plastic-covered patch from the foil pouch, peel the plastic off the patch about halfway, with your fingernail only, apply to a clean and dry area of skin, remove the rest of the plastic, and press firmly on the entire patch to ensure all of it is sticking.

If you have been using another form of hormonal birth control, complete a cycle of that contraception, and then begin the patch on the first day of your period. You can start the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch after pregnancy around four weeks after delivery if you are not breastfeeding; otherwise, you should wait until your baby is weaned.

Precautions and Contraindications
The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch is not for everyone, and is contraindicated for some women. This is why it’s essential to talk to your doctor or other qualified health-care professional about whether or not the patch is right for you, and so you can avoid any major problems down the road or serious side-effects that may tempt you to consider Ortho Evra lawsuits that you would only lose.

For example, if you currently have blood clots, if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, if you have certain cancers, if you are or might be pregnant, or if you’re a smoker over the age of 35, the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch isn’t for you.

One precaution you should understand is that if you take the patch, you will be exposed to more estrogen (about 60 percent more) than you would by using a birth control pill with a 35 mcg estrogen dosage because of the way the hormones are absorbed and removed. More estrogen exposure could increase your risk of developing serious side-effects. Moreover, if you have a known sensitivity to high amounts of estrogen, another form of birth control (such as a low-estrogen birth control pill) might be better for you.

Women who smoke are advised not to take the patch, particularly if they are over 35, because smoking can increase the risk of developing serious cardiovascular side-effects. Women already on the patch should not smoke.

It’s also important to mention that while the patch is extremely effective in preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases of any kind. If you are not in a monogamous sexual relationship, it’s advisable to use another form of birth control that protects against STDs, like condoms.

Ortho Evra Side-Effects
It’s common to experience some side-effects when using the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, especially in the first one to three months of use (first one to three cycles), after which many of the side-effects can disappear after the body becomes accustomed to the patch. However, most women report side-effects that are only mild to moderate, and some report no changes or side-effects at all.

Some common and mild to moderate side-effects that are usually temporary that may be experiences within the first three months (or cycles) of the patch use include headache, nausea, breast tenderness or discomfort, skin irritations on the patch site, breakthrough bleeding and spotting, painful periods, no period, and upper respiratory infections.

After three months, it is more likely that any side-effects experienced from the use of the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch will have disappeared or at least subsided considerably. If you continue to experience any of the above symptoms and they are bothersome or a source of concern, talk to your doctor, especially if you continue to have breakthrough bleeding or spotting, or no period, otherwise known as amenorrhea. Avoid skin irritations by changing where you apply the patch every week, and avoiding the application of makeup, creams, lotions, oils, or powders on, in, or around the patch site.

Ortho Evra Serious Side-Effects
Because the Ortho Evra Birth Control Pill contains hormones, it carries with it the potential of serious side-effects of which you should become aware before considering the patch. Some of these more serious side-effects, which can be life-threatening, include venous thromboembolic disease, or blood clots in the lungs and/or the legs, a stroke, and a heart attack.

While these side-effects are certainly rare, by taking the Ortho Evra Birth Control Pill, you are still exposing yourself to the risk of developing serious side-effects. You will want to discuss with your doctor or health-care professional whether the patch is right for you, and weigh the risks associated with the patch against all the benefits, which include its high effectiveness, convenience, discretion, and ease of use.

Other serious reported side-effects that are not mentioned as a warning by the manufacturers of Ortho Evra include allergic reactions (skin rash, trouble breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, throat closing), chest pain, coughing up blood, vision and speech problems, insomnia, weakness, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, swelling, and tenderness, swelling of the ankles and fingers, calf pain, and breast lumps.

Ortho Evra Lawsuits
Since the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch was approved in April, 2002, there have reportedly been close to 10,000 cases of reported adverse side-effects of the patch’s use. About 20 of these cases have been reports of death due to the patch’s serious, life-threatening side-effects. Some legal companies call the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch “the birth control patch with serious health risks.”

Some women who have experience serious side-effects from the use of Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch after discussing the patch with their doctor and receiving a prescription have gone on to hire Ortho Evra lawyers, Birth Control Patch lawyers, or Ortho Evra attorneys to file Ortho Evra lawsuits for the harm done to them. The families of women who have died from complications related to their use of the patch have also sought Ortho Evra lawsuits on their behalf.

Clients who have the most chances of winning their Ortho Evra lawsuits are those who have experienced heart attacks, ischemic strokes, pulmonary embolisms, or deep vein thromboses from wearing the patch. Birth Control Patch lawyers try to help their clients win the case and therefore be awarded compensation for their pain.

Ortho Evra lawsuits are filed against the patch’s manufacturer, the Johnson & Johnson-owned company, Ortho Women’s Health & Urology.

How to find Ortho Evra Lawyers
Ortho Evra lawsuits are real and do exist. If you are wondering whether or not you might qualify for an Ortho Evra lawsuit, or if you simply have questions and concerns about Ortho Evra lawsuits in general, talking to a qualified legal professional will help.

You can find Ortho Evra lawyers and Ortho Evra attorneys to help you answer your questions about Ortho Evra lawsuits. Check your local listings for lawyers and see if any of them handle cases related to birth control and contraception. You can also perform an online search to find Birth Control Patch lawyers or other legal professionals who may be able to help you with your case or at least provide you with further information.

Simply type in “Ortho Evra lawyers” or “Ortho Evra lawsuits” when you’re online. Visit a few sites, find out what they’re all about, check out their prices, terms, and conditions, and fill out a free informational form, if provided.

Conclusion
Although some women choose to engage in Ortho Evra lawsuits and legal battles after experiencing serious side-effects, millions of women still choose to use the patch as a highly effective and convenient form of contraception that fits into their busy, active lifestyles.

If you have questions and concerns about the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch, and you’re wondering if this form of contraception is right for you, the best thing you can do is to talk to your doctor or other health-care professional to find out if the patch makes sense for you.

If you are at risk for developing any of the patch’s more serious side-effects, particularly if you have a history of certain conditions or you’re a smoker over 35, or if you have a high sensitivity to estrogen, then the Ortho Evra might not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about other forms of birth control pills.


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