How to prevent blood clots - re Ortho Evra

A recent study found that newer third generation birth control pills double your risk of contracting a potentially fatal blood clot compared to older birth control pills. The group that conducted the study called Public Citizens, stated their facts today to the FDA in hopes that newer birth control pills that contain synthetic progestin desogestrel will be removed from the market immediately.

Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, told HealthDay News, “"While the use of any type of combined oral contraceptive holds an increased risk of venous thrombosis (blood clots), third-generation birth-control pills double that risk without preventing pregnancy any more effectively than older pills do. Worse, the FDA has known since 1995 that these oral contraceptives were more dangerous but has allowed them to stay on the market for 12 years.”

Although the newer birth control that poses the risk does have a more severe warning label, few actually read and take the warnings seriously. Blood clots typically form in the legs, and then travel elsewhere throughout your body, causing a blockage of blood flow that could cause serious harm or death.

According to HealthDay, the Public Citizens petition stated “The FDA must ensure the well-being and safety of women in the U.S. and ban third-generation oral contraceptives containing desogestrel," the Public Citizen petition stated. Women should discuss with their doctors alternative methods of birth control, such as the second-generation oral contraceptives, and how to safely switch contraceptive methods."

The newer pills are more popular because users experience fewer side affects. Along with their petition to the FDA, the Public Citizens also have a informative video on youtube which talks about the many things you need to know about birth control.

Author: Cary Byrd