| ■ Pull Ortho-Evra Birth-Control Patch From Market: Public Citizen | 2008.05.14 |
| The Ortho-Evra birth control patch exposes women to dangerous levels of estrogen -- posing a possible two-fold increased risk of blood clots -- and should be removed from the market within six months, says a Public Citizen petition filed Thursday with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Compared to women who use standard oral contraceptives, those who use the Ortho-Evra patch experience increased side effects such as breast discomfort, severe menstrual pain, nausea and vomiting, and are more likely to stop using a contraceptive. In addition, the patch doesn't improve birth control, according to evidence compiled by Public Citizen. Since immediate removal of the Ortho-Evra patch from the market carries the risk that some users may not immediately replace the patch with another form of birth control, Public Citizen suggested a six-month phase-out period. During that time, the patch would be available for refill prescriptions to allow women time to meet with their health-care provider to discuss other forms of birth control. |