Ortha Evra Makers Knew Pill Was Dangerous Says Connecticut Attorney Michael Stratton

Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Ortho Evra, presented its birth control product to the U.S. in 2001. Ortho Evra is a birth control patch that is administered through the skin, transdermally, once per week.

New Haven, CT (Law Firm Newswire) December 24, 2010 – More than 5 million women have used the patch since it was approved and more than 40 million patches have been sold. However, there have been complications and even deaths reported – more than 2,400 cases – indicating that Ortho Evra is the cause. There is even more disturbing evidence that reveals Johnson & Johnson actually knew about Ortho Evra’s potential risk before launching their product.

There have been claims that Ortho Evra administers 60 percent more estrogen into the body than the conventional birth control pill, which can cause blood clots and strokes in even young women and women who never had any history of disease. The risk with Ortho Evra is three times higher than the average oral contraception.

Two lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson by its two former Vice Presidents, Dr. Patrick Caubel and Dr. Joel Lippman, claim they knew about the risk the patch had and warned the company, but to no avail. Johnson & Johnson launched the product anyway and did not issue a recall. Dr. Caubel resigned because he knew about the overwhelming, compelling evidence and the company didn’t do anything about it, saying that it became unbearable for him to continue on with the company. Dr. Lippman, however, was terminated after he blew the whistle on the dangerous risks that the patch posed, and is suing the company for unlawful termination.

“It’s amazing that the drug is still on the market and even now, new cases are rolling in from the harm done by Ortha Evra,” said Michael A. Stratton, from Connecticut based Stratton Faxon Law Firm said. “One should consult a physician before abruptly stopping the patch and one should consult a qualified personal injury lawyer if you believe to be suffering from injuries or know a loved one who had died as a result of this product. We should make the drug-makers accountable.”

Watchdog group Public Citizen issued a petition to the FDA requesting that the patch be recalled and banned in 2008. However, the FDA has not responded to the petition as of yet and the patch is still on the market. Johnson & Johnson had revamped the warning material on Ortho Evra that women who are at risk should not use the patch and other potential side effects.

To learn more, visit the Connecticut personal injury law firm at http://www.strattonfaxon.com.

Stratton Faxon
59 Elm Street,
New Haven, CT 06510
Call: 203.624.9500

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