FDA Warns Clot Risk Higher in Birth Control Patch Than Pill

[THE BOUNCER]

FRIDAY, Jan. 18 (HealthDay News) -- A birth control skin patch used by many American women carries a risk of serious blood clots that is higher than the risk already recognized for the birth control pill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned late Friday.

Based on the results of a new study that discovered the increased danger, the agency said it has approved changes to the labeling for the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal Patch, to better warn women and their doctors of the potential risk.

"For women that choose to use contraceptives, it is important that they thoroughly discuss with their health-care providers the risks and benefits involved," Dr. Janet Woodcock, deputy commissioner for scientific and medical programs at the FDA, said in a statement.

The warning followed reports out of Canada last week of two deaths, one heart attack and 16 cases of blood clots since 2004 among women who used the patch.

More Here: FDA Warns Clot Risk Higher in Birth Control Patch Than Pill - Forbes.com

[FitnessBrat]

Exactly why I stopped using that neat little patch. My father has blood clots and that's far too risky to me.

[WonderWoman]

I had wanted to try the patch but the doctor warned me of the clots. I am on the depo now and I am doing good on it. I have noticed though that I haven't gotten my period this month, I guess may also be because my BF is pretty low.