Johnson & Johnson Sued by 500 Ortho Evra Patients

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on September 24, 2006

The news was revealed in Johnson & Johnson’s second quarter SEC filing, which says the claimants are seeking various levels of compensatory and punitive damages. Experts say that the 500 current lawsuits may be only the beginning of a legal onslaught against Johnson & Johnson, as many Ortho Evra patients have yet to discover the cause of their health ailments.

First approved in 2001, the Ortho Evra birth control patch has become very popular among young women. It is estimated that more than nine million prescriptions for Ortho Evra were written in 2005. The patch works by slowly releasing estrogen into the bloodstream via a patch placed on the skin once a week.

In November 2005, the FDA updated the labeling on the patch, warning patients and doctors that its use exposes women to a much higher level of estrogen than do traditional birth control pills. It is believed that this increased level of estrogen is responsible for the blood clots and heart problems cited in recent lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.

If you are currently using the Ortho Evra patch and are concerned about the possible side effects, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.

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