Danger Lurking In Birth Control Patch?

Study Shows Ortho Evra Patch Doubles Risk Of Blood Clots

(CBS/AP) 
The ongoing studies also are looking at the risk of heart attacks and strokes among users of the two types of contraception. Currently there is no difference but the numbers are small and it will take another 18 months to see if a difference occurs, Shames said.

The company said the risk of clots remains rare and that they have been reported as a potential risk of all hormonal contraceptives.

Release of the interim results comes four months after the FDA warned women that the increased levels of hormones released by the patch put them at higher risk of blood clots and other serious side effects.

Additions to the patch label made in November warned women that they would be exposed to about 60 percent more estrogen than those who use birth-control pills.

Since the patch went on sale in 2002, more than 4 million women have used it.

The investigation by The Associated Press found that patch users die and suffer blood clots at a rate three times higher than women taking the pill. About a dozen women died in 2004 from blood clots believed linked to use of the patch, the AP reported. Dozens more suffered strokes and other clot-linked problems.

Health officials warn that women who smoke should not use the patch, since smoking increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.