FDA warns over birth control patch
Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 8:02 am
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
Millions chose the birth control patch for the convenience of a once a week birth control.
But now, federal health authorities say women using the Ortho Evra birth control patch are at dramatically higher risk of blood clots and stroke.
The FDA will now require strong warnings on the packages of the Ortho Evra patch.
Researchers say because the hormones are absorbed directly into the skin, women using the patch are exposed to about 60 percent more estrogen than those taking the pill.
An investigation shows women died and had blood clots three times more often. But doctors don't want women on the patch to panic.
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ALSO ONLINE:
Ortho Evra's warning
Case study: Mother dies while on Ortho Evra
Millions chose the birth control patch for the convenience of a once a week birth control.
But now, federal health authorities say women using the Ortho Evra birth control patch are at dramatically higher risk of blood clots and stroke.
The FDA will now require strong warnings on the packages of the Ortho Evra patch.
Researchers say because the hormones are absorbed directly into the skin, women using the patch are exposed to about 60 percent more estrogen than those taking the pill.
An investigation shows women died and had blood clots three times more often. But doctors don't want women on the patch to panic.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALSO ONLINE:
Ortho Evra's warning
Case study: Mother dies while on Ortho Evra