- The Ortho Evra patch was released in 2002. It is intended to be a convenient replacement for birth control pills. Side effects of the Ortho Evra patch are thought to be related to the increased estrogen exposure. There were over 6,000 reports of adverse reactions to the patch reported between 2002 and 2005. This compares to several hundred reported for birth control pills between 1999 and 2005.
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Although rare, the most common side effects experienced were pain, tenderness and swelling of the breasts. Occasionally, women have reported menstrual cramps and abdominal pain. Rash and skin irritation where the patch is applied is also an occasional side effect.
Other minor reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, freckles or darkening of the face, vaginal itching, headaches or feeling tired, and decreased sex drive. -
Women using the Ortho Evra birth control patch are exposed to as much as 60 percent more estrogen than women taking more conventional hormonal birth control pills. Increased estrogen exposure can lead to an increased risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs. These clots have been known to lead to an increased risk of stroke or heart attacks. Women who smoke are more prone to clotting side effects than women who don't.
Some women have reported weight gain and symptoms of depression with Ortho Evra. Others have reported migraine headaches or a change in migraine patterns. Other reported side effects include numbness or weakness on one side of the body, pain behind the eyes, and problems with speech or balance. In rare cases, Ortho Evra has been linked to liver problems, often indicated by dark colored urine or stomach pain. - FDA studies since 2002 have shown rare cases of fatal side effects from Ortho Evra. Risk of deep vein thrombosis is estimated to be three in every 200,000 women using the patch. Ortho Evra patches are blamed for 23 deaths, with 17 of those being due to clot complications.
- It is best to discuss side effects with your physician before beginning any medications. Side effects of Ortho Evra should be reported immediately to the prescribing physician.
