Health Canada has warned women strongly about the side effects associated with using birth control patch 'Evra'. Evra can trigger off the development of severe blood clots in the lungs and legs.
The patches which contains ethinyl estradiol is available in the U.S with more of the compound than those available in Canada. Use of this birth control patch has been linked with a higher risk of developing blood clots. Use of oral birth control pills containing the same ingredient seems to have a lesser risk factor, opined the manufacturer of the product.Health Canada begs to differ on this point and opines that both may carry the same amount of risk. They are determined to give the Canadian women an honest appraisal projecting the warning for the safety of the women who use these contraceptives.
Experts opine that overweight women are at a higher risk of developing blood clots.
Evra, marketed in Canada, contains a statutory warning ,to discontinue use of the product if there are signs of blood clots in the body following its use. Symptoms may include-Chest pain, shortness of breath,pain in calf muscles, or coughing up of blood. Additional advice to avoid heat when using the product has also been issued, based on a theoretical warning. This is based on a report that claims that a raised temperature may increase the release of hormone estradiol thereby triggering off side effects. Therefore women have been warned not to use sauna baths and whirlpool baths while using Evra Birth Control patches.
Since the Birth Control Patches were introduced in the market in early 2004, there has been about 78 reports of side-effects among Canadian users. The F.D.A in the U.S have also issued a similar warning following side-effects in September 2006.
Source-Medindia
MST
