Ortho Evra Lawsuit Settlements Exceed $68.7 Million So Far

Bloomberg News reports that Johnson & Johnson has paid at least $68.7 million so far to settle Ortho Evra lawsuits filed by women who suffered blood clots as a result of their birth control patch. However, the drug maker continues to face thousands of other cases that have not resolved.

Ortho Evra is a contraceptive patch that women wear on their skin to prevent pregnancy as an alternative to an oral birth control pill. It is designed to be more convenient and to promote continued use, as the patch only needs to be changed once a week.

Studies, however, have established that the birth control patch delivers up to 60% more estrogen than the pill, which increases the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Side effects of Ortho Evra have been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis and other blood clot injuries.

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Ortho-Mcneil Pharmaceuticals, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, faces approximately 4,000 Ortho Evra lawsuits filed in state and federal court on behalf of women who allege injuries caused by the birth control patch’s side effects.

Reports have emerged of various individual cases which settled as their trial dates approached, even though Johnson & Johnson has tried to keep all settlements confidential.

Last year, Bloomberg News reported that Johnson & Johnson reached a confidential $1.25 million settlement for one Ortho Evra birth control patch lawsuit filed by a 14 year old girl who suffered two blood clots in her lungs after using the patch for several weeks. The details of that settlement were made public after the news agency received a copy of settlement documents from a court clerk.

As of March 31, 2008, Bloomberg estimates that Johnson & Johnson has spent at least $68.7 million on confidential settlements in the Ortho Evra litigation. The news agency based this figure on the size of a common benefit fund that receives 3% of every Ortho Evra settlement to compensate lawyers who performed common benefit services and collected evidence which is used by all attorneys pursuing cases.

While Johnson & Johnson has been negotiating confidential settlements to avoid trials, many Ortho Evra lawyers representing women who used the patch have not agreed to settle for the amount they were offered, and the first cases are expected to go to trial next year.

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36 Comments

  • CraigJuly 7, 2022 at 11:54 am

    Ok so my wife was on the patch back in 2007 and she stopped using it for a month and got pregnant with our son and the birth was fine but after the after berth came out the doctor's pushed like 4 or 5 blood clots out of her that were biger then the after birth she had to have a blood transfusion and she all most died.

  • KailaJune 23, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    I started the patch when I was around 12/13 years old and wore it for around 5+ years. I used to keep it only on my lower abdomen area around my hip bone. I would frequently get "cramps" or shooting pains in that area, but generally didn't think anything of it. In September of 2015, I woke up with pain in the exact are where I used to keep it. Throughout the day I noticed my leg getting more and m[Show More]I started the patch when I was around 12/13 years old and wore it for around 5+ years. I used to keep it only on my lower abdomen area around my hip bone. I would frequently get "cramps" or shooting pains in that area, but generally didn't think anything of it. In September of 2015, I woke up with pain in the exact are where I used to keep it. Throughout the day I noticed my leg getting more and more swollen and eventually, it turned purple. I rushed to the emergency room where after hours of waiting, and ultrasound, and finally a CAT Scan, they discovered a blood clot (DVT) right where my patch used to sit. During surgery to break up the clot, I was woken by the doctor to give confirmation for them to insert a IVC (Inferior Vena Cava) Filter, because the clot spanned over a foot in length and had they tried to break it up, it would have ended up right in my lungs. I spent 2 days in the ICU, ended up with a severe Hematoma that caused deep purple bruising & severe swelling over half of my mid section, pelvis & groin area. My left leg is still bigger than my right along with half of my private region from the swelling. I left the hospital with a life long supply of blood thinners and a $75,000 hospital bill. I have now been off birth control for over 7 years and have still yet to become pregnant.

  • LaraeDecember 22, 2021 at 8:43 am

    I was on the patch in 2006 I got pregnant I had a miscarriage I no longer can have children because of being on the patch

  • MindyDecember 20, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    I was on ortho evra back in 2006 and now I have endometriosis and am no longer fertile my life dream was to be a mother and now I will never have that. I bled out for 7 months

  • AmandaMay 28, 2021 at 5:31 am

    I was on the bc patch in 2006. I had it placed lower part of my “area” found out I was pregnant, then took it off. I ended up having a tubal pregnancy (right tube), however, ended up with chronic groin pain in my left groin, ever since! Ended Up with many exploring surgeries, including A partial hysterectomy, hoping it would make the pain leave, but never has gone away. Been in pain ever since. Ru[Show More]I was on the bc patch in 2006. I had it placed lower part of my “area” found out I was pregnant, then took it off. I ended up having a tubal pregnancy (right tube), however, ended up with chronic groin pain in my left groin, ever since! Ended Up with many exploring surgeries, including A partial hysterectomy, hoping it would make the pain leave, but never has gone away. Been in pain ever since. Ruined my life. Wish I could have sued.

  • LisaFebruary 17, 2021 at 6:36 am

    Big Pharma knows exactly what they are doing.. my daughter suffered from PE in her left lung and left leg due to taking XULANE last year... it is the generic brand they released after being sued for the Ortho Evra patch.. they discontinued it due to women suing and now released it under a different name.. BUT IT’S DOING THE EXACT SAME THING!!!... I have been trying to get a lawyer and to no avail[Show More]Big Pharma knows exactly what they are doing.. my daughter suffered from PE in her left lung and left leg due to taking XULANE last year... it is the generic brand they released after being sued for the Ortho Evra patch.. they discontinued it due to women suing and now released it under a different name.. BUT IT’S DOING THE EXACT SAME THING!!!... I have been trying to get a lawyer and to no avail.. my daughter can’t work or go to school because of what this Patch did to her within 3 weeks of taking it!.. Hospitalized for two months.. They claim they have studies.. they don’t tell you that the patch has 60% more estrogen than the pill!!!... My daughter should receive some compensation.. She is 20 and can’t drive.. her vision is not 100 % due to her having a vitamin b-1 deficiency in her brain... Don't take that XULANE

  • KaelynNovember 12, 2020 at 3:19 am

    I have abnormal painful periods now and throughout my life since I was 14. I have never had children due to this birth control and I have previously been diagnosed with PCOS. I believe all of my female issues have rooted from Ortho Evra. When I was younger I was not able to file a suit for this matter nor did I know my life would forever be pointless because I would never be able to have children.[Show More]I have abnormal painful periods now and throughout my life since I was 14. I have never had children due to this birth control and I have previously been diagnosed with PCOS. I believe all of my female issues have rooted from Ortho Evra. When I was younger I was not able to file a suit for this matter nor did I know my life would forever be pointless because I would never be able to have children. I am in constant pain when I have a period and have unusual cycles that are unbearable.

  • MonciaSeptember 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    I was was 29 when I started the patches at 31 I had first stroke due to the patches put to much estrogen 30days later I had second stroke and that’s just the beginning of my problems 2 blood clots in my lungs and my heart and one burst in my right leg

  • CherellJune 7, 2020 at 3:46 am

    It’s been years ago Since I was on Ortho Erva Patch I been hospitalized three due to have Heavy bleeding this last time I had to be giving bleed Transfusion now my dr doctor are telling me that I have to have a full Hysterectomy at the age of 42 I hate that u was given this birth control it has made my life so unfair if I wanted more kids I can’t this has been the worst feeling to have that a wom[Show More]It’s been years ago Since I was on Ortho Erva Patch I been hospitalized three due to have Heavy bleeding this last time I had to be giving bleed Transfusion now my dr doctor are telling me that I have to have a full Hysterectomy at the age of 42 I hate that u was given this birth control it has made my life so unfair if I wanted more kids I can’t this has been the worst feeling to have that a women should have to go threw I wish the doctor would have listen to me when I said it was making me funny I wish I never was on it my life could have been better

  • DanaJuly 27, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    The patch caused me to have a miscarriage. I contacted a lawyer years and years ago and they were supposed to contact me back but never did. Do I have a check floating around somewhere? Or did they just use my story to get money.

  • tonyaJune 8, 2019 at 4:09 am

    I was on the patch for 6 months and it would break me out n give a then ichy little bumps,I know that was a side effect but I'm still having the rash appear after I been of the patch for 2+yrs!!anybody else have this problem

  • CApril 12, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    Ortho Erva Patch suffered a Pulmonary Embolism Feb 2019. Had to have emergency surgery blood buster. I can't find an attorney to take my case.

  • MelissaApril 5, 2019 at 2:51 am

    I suffered a stroke as a result of this in 2007 and have suffered Incredible life challenges and set backs. I expect that as I age things will only get more complicated... I wish I could find a way to get some assistance to just make day to day living less distressing.

  • AngelicaNovember 1, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    I too was on the Ortho Evra for four years and I was young and just needed a form of birth control. I didn’t know anything about side effects or anything to that sort. Had no clue. I now am not able to conceive with my husband because of the patch I believe.

  • JamieSeptember 15, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    I took ortho-evra for 24 hours prior to blood clots an 36 hours prior to a Pulmonary Embolism in my lung that cost me 12 DA in ICU. Now I'm 30 years old are a LIFETIME ANTI-COAGULANT DEPENDENT and its not fair!!

  • HeidiSeptember 21, 2015 at 4:08 am

    in 2010 I was on the OE patch for around 3 weeks and went to hospital after breathing complications. I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolisms. clots in my lungs as well. They gave me two shots in my stomach of coumadin and an iv drip of another blood thinner. the next day the clots were bigger. I had to have emergency open heart surgery. I was in and out of the hospital for 3 months and once in t[Show More]in 2010 I was on the OE patch for around 3 weeks and went to hospital after breathing complications. I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolisms. clots in my lungs as well. They gave me two shots in my stomach of coumadin and an iv drip of another blood thinner. the next day the clots were bigger. I had to have emergency open heart surgery. I was in and out of the hospital for 3 months and once in the 4th month even. I couldn't go to school for 5 months of my first year in highschool. so i missed half of my freshman year. I tried going back to school one day ad got sick because my immune system was down due to surgery. I was home schooled for the rest of the year and my grade average fell because of it. I took coumadin for 2 years after I had the surgery. It was a huge part of my life that still effects me emotionally til this day.

  • DeannaSeptember 11, 2015 at 9:29 am

    So sorry to all these women.. Intuitively I've always purposely avoided pharmaceutical contraceptives and now I know why. The problem with most over the counter contraception available to women is often the studies are inadequate (long term especially) proving their overall safety. The bottom line for Big Pharma is always its profit margins; we see this proven with the thousands of sick women fili[Show More]So sorry to all these women.. Intuitively I've always purposely avoided pharmaceutical contraceptives and now I know why. The problem with most over the counter contraception available to women is often the studies are inadequate (long term especially) proving their overall safety. The bottom line for Big Pharma is always its profit margins; we see this proven with the thousands of sick women filing suit against Johnson & Johnson, and countless other pharmaceutical companies paying out for their greed. Women; your safest method of contraception is either condoms or (believe it not)with a long term partner, withdrawal: https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/pulling-out-is-as-effective-as-using-condoms Use pharmaceutical contraceptives at your own risk knowing it's likely to harm your health in the long term.

  • heatherJuly 19, 2014 at 1:09 am

    I used the patch when I was 15 (2004) I only used it for about a year due to having irregular period. Since I stopped taking it I have not had a regular period I'm.25 now I would not have a period for a year then I would get one that would be nonstop for months very heavy with passing extremely large blood clots. Every time I would speak to a doctor I was told it was a side effect and once its out[Show More]I used the patch when I was 15 (2004) I only used it for about a year due to having irregular period. Since I stopped taking it I have not had a regular period I'm.25 now I would not have a period for a year then I would get one that would be nonstop for months very heavy with passing extremely large blood clots. Every time I would speak to a doctor I was told it was a side effect and once its out of my system they would be regular. I have still not had a regular period I can't not still be in my system for 10 years.. I have tried for many years to conceive after taking the patch my boyfriend (ex now was together 8yrs) and the one I have now I still have never been able to conceive and we never used protection to prevent it. The other day I went to the hospital because I was on a nonstop period for over 7 months and losing to much blood a few years ago I was boarder line anemic... I heard nothing about this recall until today. I believe that patch caused me infinitely...

  • Angela SmithJuly 12, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    I was using the patch for over years then in 2003 I started seizures but before then I was having real bad back pain.The Dr. said he saw a blood clot and I needed surgery but I started having seizures then they didn't see it know more but 2011 I went to the dentist they say I have blood clots in my gums and I need oral surgery.every thing happens on the left side of my body the side I always wo[Show More]I was using the patch for over years then in 2003 I started seizures but before then I was having real bad back pain.The Dr. said he saw a blood clot and I needed surgery but I started having seizures then they didn't see it know more but 2011 I went to the dentist they say I have blood clots in my gums and I need oral surgery.every thing happens on the left side of my body the side I always wore my patch on my left angle swells up when I walk to much

  • c. cimmingsJuly 11, 2014 at 1:06 am

    I was on the Patch a couple years ago but stopped taking it because it left a black and blue bruise on my left thigh. Since then I have been having painful pains in my leg, near my knee and thighs. I have went to doctor for x rays but they found nothing. It didn't dawn on me today that I should have told them that I had used the patch in the past. The pain still here after years and years and stil[Show More]I was on the Patch a couple years ago but stopped taking it because it left a black and blue bruise on my left thigh. Since then I have been having painful pains in my leg, near my knee and thighs. I have went to doctor for x rays but they found nothing. It didn't dawn on me today that I should have told them that I had used the patch in the past. The pain still here after years and years and still been to doctor and they found nothing. The pain is so intense that my hubby has to rub thigh just so I can go to sleep. Sometimes I walk with a limp cause of the pain and my kids always ask me what wrong? I am wondering if there is a blood clot but the doctors would have seen it by now. I don't know what else to do, I am going to go back to the doctor to see if they can do a MRI on my leg cause the pain gets scarier each day and as I type this im having pains, this is so silly but true. I have contacted a lawyer to see what they think of this... hope some peace of mind. Could this patch damaged my leg all this time? I think so.

  • margieMay 16, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    In 2004 i using ortho evra, about 8 month later i was in the hospital with a blood clot in my right leg. I had to get shots in my stomach, and be on coumadin & blood work had to be done every month for about a year. My doctor took me off the Ortho Evra birth control patches right away. I'm just finding out that there was a recall and a lawsuit for Ortho Evra in 2008.

  • PutriOctober 2, 2012 at 1:48 am

    I started it over a year and a half ago but it's taken me this long to get used to it. And I'm still not ceptlemoly over the side affects! I'm very small 100 pounds- and the hormones were way too much for my body. Over the first couple months I had weight gain in my breasts, suicidal thoughts, scary mood swings, depression, loss of sex drive, and headaches. My OBGYN told me to stay on it to see [Show More]I started it over a year and a half ago but it's taken me this long to get used to it. And I'm still not ceptlemoly over the side affects! I'm very small 100 pounds- and the hormones were way too much for my body. Over the first couple months I had weight gain in my breasts, suicidal thoughts, scary mood swings, depression, loss of sex drive, and headaches. My OBGYN told me to stay on it to see if it got better, so I did. I slowly got used to the HUGE amount of hormones and the depression subsided no more crying for no reason, no more crying when someone simply raised their voice at me, no more suicidal thoughts or actions thank goodness!However, the weight gain in my breasts never subsided. Went from being a 32B and am now a full 32C and they're still slowly growing. Yikes!The worst long term side affect for me has been loss of sex drive which still hasn't subsided. I can honestly say that I could go months without craving sex or even being in the mood. And when I finally am in the mood it always happens to be when I'm on my period and have taken the patch off- imagine that!Good Luck :S

  • CrystalMay 15, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    In 2002 or 2003. I was on Ortho Evra Patches.. I was having pain in the back of my leg behind my knee cap.. I was due to go to jury duty the following day..I went to jury duty then that evening I was in the shower and I could no longer stand, the pain was horrible.. My husband told me that I was going to the hospital.. The er Dr. took a doppler test and found that I had a blood clot.. The Dr. then[Show More]In 2002 or 2003. I was on Ortho Evra Patches.. I was having pain in the back of my leg behind my knee cap.. I was due to go to jury duty the following day..I went to jury duty then that evening I was in the shower and I could no longer stand, the pain was horrible.. My husband told me that I was going to the hospital.. The er Dr. took a doppler test and found that I had a blood clot.. The Dr. then told me that if I had waited one more day ,that I would have died beause the blood clot was moving.. They put me on coumadin, or maybe it was warfarin..

  • Jennifer RJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    About 7 years ago I was on the ortho evra patch for about 2 weeks when I had a heart attack. I was 28 yrs old. I had a blood clot. I was hospitalized for 5 days had every test under the sun but nothing was found except the use of the patch.

  • KarenJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    same as lily t above i was also in and out of the hospital but when I tried to file they told me because they found the blood clot while me being1month pregnet I had no case, I was taking the patch and had many symptoms prior to my pregnacy, many doctors didnt know what was going on, I got off the patch and still felt pain, thats when a few monts later i went into the hospital and they found it. a[Show More]same as lily t above i was also in and out of the hospital but when I tried to file they told me because they found the blood clot while me being1month pregnet I had no case, I was taking the patch and had many symptoms prior to my pregnacy, many doctors didnt know what was going on, I got off the patch and still felt pain, thats when a few monts later i went into the hospital and they found it. all these check ups for the same pain are documented by the hospital and where I had the pain was a blood clot. does that make sense, is there any thing i could do? time line is about 07

  • Lily TNovember 10, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    When i was 21 I had my child. Two days latter whale still in the hospital i was diagnosed with 3 blood clots in my left leg.. Having to have a filter and LOts od pain for took Ortfrom 2005 untill the middle of 06! I now have headachs and all kinds of other problems..I didnt get in on the settlement cause i was so sick in 2007 and half of 2008 that i had no idea there was a settlement.. I Think i[Show More]When i was 21 I had my child. Two days latter whale still in the hospital i was diagnosed with 3 blood clots in my left leg.. Having to have a filter and LOts od pain for took Ortfrom 2005 untill the middle of 06! I now have headachs and all kinds of other problems..I didnt get in on the settlement cause i was so sick in 2007 and half of 2008 that i had no idea there was a settlement.. I Think i should be entitled to compensation for my pain and because of all three blood clots in a row caused me to miss almost two years of life.. Birth control users please be careful!!!!

  • Janet H.October 27, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    I started using the patch in 2004 and in 2006 I found out that I had an aneurysm. No family history of aneurysm, so I strongly believe that it was caused by the Ortho Evra Patch. If the patch can cause stokes, heart attacks, and blood clots then it could probably cause aneurysm to. Some of the cases that ended in death, their family's probably thought that it was due to something else.

  • SarahSeptember 27, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    I was on Ortho Evra and after taking it for a while i will never have children again i ended up having to have hysterectomy at age 33. For 5 plus years i fought with several doctors because i was having period problems where i at first never had one then i it went to non stop period to where i could go any where. I was unable to drive from passing out from so much loss that i would black out. In t[Show More]I was on Ortho Evra and after taking it for a while i will never have children again i ended up having to have hysterectomy at age 33. For 5 plus years i fought with several doctors because i was having period problems where i at first never had one then i it went to non stop period to where i could go any where. I was unable to drive from passing out from so much loss that i would black out. In the end i finally convinced a doctor i was right and i had a 8lb tumor removed from my uterus.

  • MichelleSeptember 25, 2010 at 1:32 am

    I suffered an embolism in 2004 after taking Ortho Evra. At the time, I did not know one could file a lawsuit and that the use of this drug was so controversial. I recently learned that Johnson & Johnson settled numerous claims. Based on my sufferings, I believe I should be entitled to some level of settlement. I almost died. Moreover, I am only 42 years old and because of this epidsode, I[Show More]I suffered an embolism in 2004 after taking Ortho Evra. At the time, I did not know one could file a lawsuit and that the use of this drug was so controversial. I recently learned that Johnson & Johnson settled numerous claims. Based on my sufferings, I believe I should be entitled to some level of settlement. I almost died. Moreover, I am only 42 years old and because of this epidsode, I continually have headaches. Additonally, most insurance companies do not want to write life insurandce policies on my hebalf given the fact I suffered a stroke at such a young age.

  • BriJune 3, 2010 at 12:39 am

    I too believe that I developed breast cancer from the Ortho Evra Patch. I'm 29 years old, and have no one else in my family that has had breast cancer... Does anyone know where this should be reported? I've just started my research.........

  • beth bOctober 16, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    I developed breast cancer as a result of using Ortho Evra. My life has forever changed. I would have never used the product if I had been warned of the risks .. I have always wondered if the people responsible for testing the patch allowed their , mothers, sisters, aunts friends to use their product.

  • staceyOctober 8, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    i was on the patch for three years and went i went off the patch i started having issues to were my period was absent all the time now i have to take a medication to get my period and now i cant have children now can someone help me

  • veraSeptember 3, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    I was given ortho evra patches by my physician over 4 yrs ago and about 2 yrs ago I was diagnost w/ a blood clot in my lungs it was determined that it was from the patches. I was hospitalized for 2 days and I had to take coumadin and also had to inject myself in the my abdomen area daily. I was taking off of the patches but I still want to know if I could file a claim against the makers of ortho[Show More]I was given ortho evra patches by my physician over 4 yrs ago and about 2 yrs ago I was diagnost w/ a blood clot in my lungs it was determined that it was from the patches. I was hospitalized for 2 days and I had to take coumadin and also had to inject myself in the my abdomen area daily. I was taking off of the patches but I still want to know if I could file a claim against the makers of ortho evra

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