Ortho Evra

» dotheresearch - I need advice

In response to I need advice posted by ACey5654:

My 22 year old daughter started on Ortho Evra birth control patches for polycystic ovarian syndrome in Nov. 2003. It was supposed to regulate her very irregular periods. Two months after starting the patch she developed severe abdominal pain, severe nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. It got so bad she was hospitalized twice in one week. They ran all kinds of tests on her and were never able to determine what caused it. We now know it was the Ortho Evra patches. She continued to use the patches until Dec. 2005, when she developed shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, palpitations, and chest pain. She was admitted to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital with both lungs full of blood clots and 5 veins in her left leg were full of clots. She had seen a doctor two months earlier with that leg swelling, tingling, and calf pain. She asked the doctor if it could be a blood clot in her leg. He laughed at her and totally dismissed the suggestion that it might be a blood clot. Well, as it turned out, he was wrong. My daughter also developed increased pressure in her eyes. The eye doctor checks her every 6 months for glaucoma. I don't know if that has anything to do with the patch, but thought I'd mention it. The information sheet that came with the patches mentions nausea and vomiting and skin irritation as possible side effects. The patch itself causes skin irritation underneath the patch. My daughter had the rash constantly. It turned out to be a fungal infection, like ringworm. They have just recently discovered that heat and skin irritation increase the absorption rate for medications in skin patches. So, the skin irritation under the patch is actually causing more of the hormones to be absorbed. Tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs, hot showers or baths all heat the skin, which increases the amount of medication absorbed from the patches. Now, add to that the fact that the pharmaceutical company that makes Ortho Evra has admitted that users of the birth control patch are exposed to 60% more estrogen than users of birth control pills. As for the sharp pain in your lower abdomen, it could be a cyst on your ovary. On other websites, I've read several posts written by other women who have had ovarian cysts and migraine headaches caused by the patch. Go to this webpage to read many comments of users of the patch: www.iddb.org/drugs/ortho-evra/ It is the internet drug database. The tests you should request from your doctor if you have any of the symptoms I've mentioned would be a CT scan of your lungs to check for pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs), a doppler ultrasound of your legs to check for deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deeper veins of the legs) because most blood clots form in the legs then travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, and also a CT scan of your head to check for clots there. Don't make the mistake of thinking it can't happen to you. That's what my daughter thought and she almost died because she didn't believe it could happen to her. One other note, the new birth control vaginal ring contains the same hormones as the patch, so I'd be leary of it, also. I hope this helps you and good luck.

-- posted by dotheresearch

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» dotheresearch - Re: Re: Read before you take the patch.

In response to Re: Re: Read before you take the patch. posted by Magdalena81:

I'm sorry I haven't responded to your post before now. I haven't been on the internet in several days. To answer your questions, my daughter was on the patch for 2 years when she was diagnosed with clots in her lungs and left leg. Two months after starting the patches, she was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. About a year later, one of the superficial veins in the upper inside area of her left thigh became swollen and tender to touch (phlebitis), that is inflammation of a vein. It feels and looks like a rope underneath the skin. The phlebitis never went away. It is still there and it is the same leg that all the blood clots formed in, then many of them traveled to her lungs. This past December, when she was admitted to ICU with all the blood clots in her lungs and left leg, she developed the symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations, racing heartbeat, and pain in the chest only 24 hours before she was admitted. So, she was walking around with many blood clots and didn't even know it till she started becoming short of breath. Her doctors believe that she had the clots for several months and they had just moved into smaller blood vessels in the lungs and became lodged, thus causing the shortness of breath. They said her body was showering blood clots. As for your shortness of breath, I'd be concerned enough to get it checked out. Not everyone has all the symptoms my daughter had. Shortness of breath might be the only symptom you have. As for doctors, you might see a pulmonologist (a lung specialist), or an internal medicine doctor. My daughter saw an internal medicine doctor, who ordered a CT scan of the lungs, a doppler ultrasound of the legs, and an echocardiogram of her heart. They assigned her a pulmonologist and an internal medicine doctor in the hospital.
Go ahead and get yourself checked out. You can't put a price on your life. If you have a blood clot, you need to know it now. And if the test doesn't show any clots, at least you'll have peace of mind that nothing is wrong.

-- posted by dotheresearch

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» nsummersong - ortho evra patch

It important to read all information before using this patch, you must stop and consider if any area's of potential side affects exist in your extended family. Also understand that there are symptoms that occur that are consistent with blood clots. I encourage everyone to do your own information gathering in order to assist your healthcare provider in making a good birth control choice here is some additional information re: Blood clots I would like to share: What is DVT?
DVT is a medical condition that occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. It may be caused by a variety of risk factors and triggering events, including cancer, obesity or restricted mobility due to acute medical illness, stroke, major surgery, previous DVT or respiratory failure. DVT symptoms may include tenderness, pain in the leg, swelling and discoloration or redness. The condition may result in health complications, such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot or a part of it breaks loose from the wall of the vein and moves to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. In the United States, of those who develop PE, up to 200,000 will die, which is more than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. PE signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing/coughing up blood, and fainting.

Prophylactic (preventative) treatments for DVT include early mobilization (working to get bedridden patients up and moving around), sequential compression devices to promote blood flow, and/or anticoagulant medications.

If you think you may be at risk for DVT or PE, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of DVT or PE, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Learn More About DVT, PE, Prevention, and Treatment on ClotCare
ClotCare has numerous resources to help you learn about deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. You can view a list of our postings related to these issues at http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/posting... Links to some featured postings and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are below. As always, you are welcome to contact us at webmaster@clotcare.com if you still have questions.

Featured ClotCare DVT & PE Postings
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis
This posting explains deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The posting has information on who is likely to get a DVT, the signs and symptoms of a DVT or PE, how a DVT is diagnosed, how a DVT or PE is treated, and how a DVT or PE can be prevented. You can also see several pictures of what a DVT actually looks like.
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/dvt.aspx

Cancer and Deep Vein Thrombosis
This posting provides information for patients with cancer. Deep vein thrombosis is a potential complication for cancer patients.
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/cancera...

FAQs About Warfarin (brand name Coumadin)
Warfarin (brand name Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication used to treat patients who have survived a DVT or PE. This posting answers some of the most common questions asked by patients on warfarin (brand name Coumadin).
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/aboutwa...

Understanding the PT-INR Test
This posting explains the PT-INR test, which is the test used to measure how well warfarin is working.
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/ptinr.a...

Featured ClotCare FAQs
What is the d-Dimer Test?
The d-Dimer test is a relatively simple blood test used to test for active clotting. If the d-Dimer blood test is negative (or normal), that virtually rules out active blood clot formation... Learn more at:
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/faq_ddi...

Will the blood clot in my leg go away now that I am on medication for it?
Once you have started taking anticoagulant medications after having a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg), the blood clot may dissolve on its own, or it may remain in your leg indefinitely... Learn more at:
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/faq_dvt...

I am taking warfarin (brand name Coumadin) for a blood clot in my leg (DVT). Will the pain in my leg ever go away?
This FAQ explains post-thrombotic syndrome, which is sometimes referred to as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or as post-phlebitic syndrome. Pain in the leg from post-thrombotic syndrome may remain even after a blood clot has fully dissolved... Learn more at:
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/
faq_postthromboticsyndrome.aspx

What are graduated compression stockings, where do I get them, and how do I put them on?
Graduated compression stockings are special stockings that help promote circulation in your legs... Learn more at:
http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/
faq_graduatedcompressionstockings.aspx

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-- posted by nsummersong

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» queenlady9 - Weight & Moods with Ortho Evra

in response to feelingcrazy

Hi, I'm 18 years old now and I have tried all kinds of methods of birth control. I have been on the shot, pill (Ortho-Tricyclen Low), Nuva Ring, etc.

I hav been on the patch for almost 2 years now, and I have gained wait too. When I was on the shot I had some weight gain, but at certain times of the month is when I gain the most weight on the patch. Which is very unusual. My weight will fluctuate randomly during the month.

I had a couple problems while on the shot and pill, but never like this. But the weight gain isn't what concerns me. Agreeing with you it's the mood swings. I used to have some mood swings before, but here I am almost 2 years into the patch and I have such bad depression that unlike wanting to cry once a week, I practically want to cry 2-3 times a day!

I just wanted to let you know that your definitely not alone on this.

I decided that I'm switching to the pill next month. I would probably advise you to do the same. Because with the patch, it only goes downhill the longer you're on it. Trust me.

-- posted by queenlady9

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» bostongirl84 - I need advice

In response to I need advice posted by ACey5654:

I have experienced the same thing ! You need to get to a vascualr specialist ASAP- I went back and forth from my optho to a neuro 3 times- optho said it was neurological and visa versa- All male doctors will treat you like crap ! Mine laughed in my face when I suggested that I might have had a mini-stroke. (both my sister and my mother had strokes caused by blood clots that were caused by birth control pills) My mom died and my sister nearly died and had to have brain surgery. Get checked out thorougly and get MRI's- Venography -and d-dimer tests. You definietly sound like you have some type of complicated migraines- teh drug companies know of all the problems b/c pills cause and don't care due to how much money they make- get off the pills, patch - whatever- NOW !!

I know that I had a DVT in my leg and multiple PE's but the doctors assumed becasue I was only 40 that I wsa too young- that is B/S - It is NOT too young and you can get DVT at any age !

Imetrex will definitely help you if you can get a doc's prescription for it- I have to take it daily now and cannot function ot see well out of my right eye now- (blurry-distorted- high pressure) Male doc's don't understand waht birth control or migraines do to a woman and cannot even fathom the idea of what kind of pain we go through- always consult a woman doctor who is a specialist in the field that you need- she will most likely take you seriously and give you the meds and tests that you need. You could easily have a stroke in the near future- I would document everything every doc tells you and ask for copies of all you medical charts from all of your doc's !!! Important !!!! If they blow you off and soemthing horrible happens because of it- you have proof !!! DOCUMENT -DOCUMENT - !!!!

Get your ass into a vascualr specialist or at least a neuro ASAP !!

PLEASE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO IS ON B/C GET OFF IT NOW !!

-- posted by bostongirl84

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» THECLINICDOOR - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: THE PATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: THE PATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by Jess9802:

Jess9802.......JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I CAN HELP YOU GET PATCHES AT A REAL,REAL GOOD RATE........THIS IS NOT A SCAM,THEY ARE THE SAME ONES GIVEN OUT AT THE INITIAL CLINIC VISIT TO TRY.PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I CAN GIVE YOU MORE DETAILS. THECLINICDOOR@AOL.COM

-- posted by THECLINICDOOR

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» THECLINICDOOR - REAL ORTHO EVRA PATCHES FOR SALE.....NO SCAM...READ!

I HAVE A CONNECTION TO SOMEONE WHO SELLS REAL ORTHO EVRA PATCHES. I FOUND HER ON EBAY. SHE SELLS THEM WAY CHEAPER THEN EVEN MY CO-PAY WAS.I TOOK THEM TO MY LOCAL WOMEN'S CLINIC TO VERIFY THAT THEY WERE REAL BEFORE I STARTED USING THEM AND THEY SAID THAT THOSE ARE THE PACKS THAT THEY GIVE OUT TO START WHILE YOU ARE FILLING YOUR PERSCRIPTION. NOW I WON'T GO BROKE TRYING TO PAY MY CRAZY CO-PAY. THEY ARE NOT FROM OTHER COUNTRIES OR ANYTHING WEIRD LIKE THAT......THECLINICDOOR@AOL.COM

-- posted by THECLINICDOOR

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» redeemedgal - I need advice

In response to I need advice posted by dotheresearch:

I am also 22 years old. Before getting married in 2004, I started Ortho Evra in July. The first week I was very nauseated, throwing up etc... I was told and assumed this is normal for someone who had never taken birth control. Later, my left leg started to go numb every once in a while and my fingers would tingle. That has stopped. Im not sure if it was in reaction to the patch.I gained 20 pounds in the first year. In December of 2005 I started hearing a noise in my left ear it sounds like I'm listening to a womb thru and ultra sound...sometimes it sounds like buzzing. I mentioned this to my OB-GYN and she said it was probably a valve that wasnt closing and this sometimes occurs and is perfectly fine. Has anyone else experienced this? At the same appointment she noted that my heartbeat was irregular and skipped a beat twice in the time she listened to it. Again she didnt seem worried. Well, fastforward to this past Thursday. I went to a consultation to have Lasik Eye Surgery. The eye doctor was very concerned that my optic nerve was swollen. She asked if I had a recent weight gain-I had, and Was on birth control- I am.Two doctors looked at it and told me that I should make an appointment with my regular family doctor and also a nuero-optimologist.They said that swelling could be normal for me but was usually caused by pressure behind the eye. (I see that you have noted above about your daughter also) She also said that it is sometimes caused by increase in hormones in younger caucasion females.Has anyones been tested for this symptom? Is this and the heartbeat womb noise possible symptoms of Ortho Evra. I stumbled onto this website looking for side effects of ortho evra. I immediately took the patch off about 20 minutes ago. I dont want to have a baby but it is not worth my health. I am MRI and
CAT scan. THank you for Im not someone who runs to the doctor for every little thing so thank you all for sharing. Please get back to me if you have experienced any of the same symptoms. May God Bless You!

-- posted by redeemedgal

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» dorothe - patch

This medication is a nightmare. A lot of problems has been identified (FDA and Healt Canada now knows) as clots in lungs, leg's pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, phlebitis...Class action has been institute againts the company Johnson & Johnson. Between 2002 and 2004, 17 died, 21 had big problems. If you know someone in Quebec that improved these problem, let me know.

-- posted by dorothe

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» feathers8482 - Re: put patch on, on my off week

In response to Re: put patch on, on my off week posted by marmar0902:

that is really bad advise to put on the interent. If the patch was meant to be worn for a complete month they would make it that way. So maybe before you go around with that bit of info, you should think if people are really going to listen to that because if your that concerned over not getting your period get the shot.

-- posted by feathers8482

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