Birth Control Patch Problems

If you are currently using the birth control patch are you probably know how this contraceptive works and the most common side effects associated with it. However, you may not familiar with the new FDA warning, the patch now on the packaging for birth control. Because of recent concerns about the safety of this type of birth control patch is now an important warning to inform women that the patch could increase the risk of dangerous blood clots sold. Although rare, these clots can cause severe tissue damage and may even lead to a heart attack or stroke.


What is the Birth Control Patch?
The birth control patch, sold under the brand name Ortho Evra is, is a relatively new form of contraception. Unlike the pill, taken orally every day, the birth control patch is a transdermal adhesive on the skin for about one week carried. This patch releases hormones through the skin and directly into the bloodstream where it controls ovulation and prevent pregnancy. The birth control patch is currently being used by more than five million American women.


What is the warning on the Birth Control Patch?
Since September 2006, a warning on the Ortho Evra birth control patch has been released. This warning was issued by the FDA and states that "high levels of estrogen may put some women at increased risk for getting blood clots." This warning was illustrated on the Ortho Evra packaging put on the Associated Press gathered that the risks of blood clots and other serious side effects for the patch users were increased. The FDA announced that all Ortho Evra patch users should be informed of these risks before using the patches. More recently, the results of a 2007 study shows an increased risk of blood clots for patch users compared to pill users, were also placed on the packaging.


What are your risks after a blood clot?
Any hormonal method of contraception is associated with a slight risk of blood clots. The traditional pill carries a risk of about 3 in 10,000 for non-fatal blood clots and a risk of about 1 in 200,000 for fatal blood clots. These risks are clearly indicated on all birth control pill packets. It was initially assumed that the birth control patch similar risks for fatal and nonfatal blood clot carried out. However, this has been called into question.


In June 2005, the Associated Press about the Ortho Evra patch studies and the risk of dangerous blood clots. According to the Associated Press, was a woman's risk of experiencing a non-fatal blood clot while using Ortho Evra 12 in 10,000. Meanwhile, their risk of experiencing a fatal appeared blood clot while using the patch to be about 3 in 200,000. This is almost three times the risk level associated with the traditional pill are. The Associated Press also noted that at least a dozen women, had mostly in their late teens and early twenties, died in 2004, apparently due to complications associated with the birth control patch. A 2007 study shows that among women aged 15-44, there is an increased risk of blood clots with the patch than in those taking the pill.


Why does the patch cause blood clots?
All hormonal methods of contraception as a threat to the normal blood flow. This is because estrogen causes hormonal contraceptive methods, the blood that contains clotting in the veins. But why the patch seem to get more blood clots that cause the pill?


Well, the birth control patch actually delivers higher levels of estrogen directly to your bloodstream. The traditional pill is eliminated in your intestinal tract, before all the hormones enter the bloodstream. Until it is broken, has been about 50% of estrogen in the pill contained lost. However, because the patch delivers estrogen across the skin into the bloodstream, the users are actually about 60% more estrogen with this form of birth control. As a result of their increased risk for blood clots.


Are dangerous blood?
Blood clots have the potential to be extremely dangerous. They occur when blood is coagulated in the veins and form a blockage in the tank. As a result, the blood and oxygen can not travel to all areas of the body, causing tissue death. In addition, some blood clots to travel to sensitive areas of the body including the heart, brain and lungs. If this happens, you can suffer a stroke or heart attack, which can lead to death. Women over the age of 35 seem to have a greater risk of suffering a dangerous blood clot while using birth control. Women who smoke are also at increased risk for blood clots, whether they agree with the traditional birth control pill or the patch.


For safe use of the patch is?
From January 2008 showed that the birth control patch is a higher risk of blood clots than other homonal prevention methods, including the pill. While the FDA believes that the patch is a safe and effective method of contraception, it is recommended that women speak with concerns or risk factors for serious blood clots with your doctor about ways to prevent pregnancy.


Ortho-McNeil, the manufacturer of the Ortho Evra birth control patch, claims that the patch is safe for use. When used as directed, Ortho-McNeil asserts that there is no serious risks associated with the patch. Ortho-McNeil has confirmed that hormonal contraceptive methods (such as the Ortho Evra patch) are not suitable for all women. The company recommends that all women with their healthcare provider before you start using the patch for birth control, or any other method of contraception. Ortho-McNeil advises smokers and women over 35, that they have a higher risk of blood clots and other serious side effects when using no hormonal contraceptives, including the patch.


What should you do?
If you are currently using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, you should talk to your doctor to find out more about your risk for a possible blood clot formation. If you decide to discontinue the patch, you should use a backup method of contraception, such as a condom to prevent an unwanted pregnancy