Clipping Board » Medical Harm ─ Unnecessary or inappropriate medical procedures can also cause harm.
September 21, 2011, China Times [Reported by Chen Peng and Qiu Liying]
Ms. Li, 34 years old, purchased Johnson & Johnson’s "Evra Contraceptive Patch" on her own in 2007. After using it for over three months, she developed thrombosis and is now in a vegetative state. Her family believes the patch caused this outcome. For more than three years, they have pursued legal action against Johnson & Johnson both domestically and internationally but have not won any cases. On the 20th, accompanied by Taipei City Councilor Lin Rui-tu, Ms. Li’s sister demanded an apology and compensation from Johnson & Johnson, which declined to comment.
Ms. Li’s family stated that in November 2007, without a doctor’s prescription, she purchased the "Evra Contraceptive Patch" from Shanghai Pharmacy in Taipei. By the end of January the following year, she suffered thrombosis, collapsed at home, and became a vegetative patient.
Last year, the family filed a criminal complaint against the pharmaceutical company and the pharmacy. However, the case was dismissed by the prosecutor’s office because the statute of limitations had expired (over two years) and there was insufficient evidence to prove the patch was purchased by Ms. Li. Ms. Li’s sister also attempted to join a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. with other victims but was rejected.
Ms. Li’s sister said that for over three years, Johnson & Johnson has made no response or apology. Regarding the dismissal, she asked the prosecutor, "Would you dare let your female family members use this patch?" She added that her sister previously worked in Neihu Technology Park but is now a vegetative patient dependent on a ventilator, with no ability to care for herself. Councilor Lin Rui-tu pointed out that another contraceptive patch produced by Johnson & Johnson had caused 40 deaths overseas due to blood clots, and last year’s lawsuit resulted in a $68 million compensation ruling for consumers.
Chen Liqi, director of Taipei City’s Department of Health’s Food and Drug Division, explained that contraceptive patches increase progesterone and estrogen levels in the body, raising the risk of thrombosis as a side effect. If a clot reaches the brain, the user may suffer a stroke. Therefore, patients with high blood pressure or tumors should avoid using it. Chen emphasized that such medications should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, not self-administered.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, issued a statement on the 20th expressing regret over the incident. They stated that the plaintiff’s claims had been adjudicated by the court and declined further comment. Janssen also noted that the Evra Contraceptive Patch is a prescription medication, and women should consult a gynecologist before use.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110921/ 4/ 2z37q. html
Woman in Vegetative State from Contraceptive Patch? Family Seeks Compensation
Ms. Li, 34 years old, purchased Johnson & Johnson’s "Evra Contraceptive Patch" on her own in 2007. After using it for over three months, she developed thrombosis and is now in a vegetative state. Her family believes the patch caused this outcome. For more than three years, they have pursued legal action against Johnson & Johnson both domestically and internationally but have not won any cases. On the 20th, accompanied by Taipei City Councilor Lin Rui-tu, Ms. Li’s sister demanded an apology and compensation from Johnson & Johnson, which declined to comment.
Ms. Li’s family stated that in November 2007, without a doctor’s prescription, she purchased the "Evra Contraceptive Patch" from Shanghai Pharmacy in Taipei. By the end of January the following year, she suffered thrombosis, collapsed at home, and became a vegetative patient.
Last year, the family filed a criminal complaint against the pharmaceutical company and the pharmacy. However, the case was dismissed by the prosecutor’s office because the statute of limitations had expired (over two years) and there was insufficient evidence to prove the patch was purchased by Ms. Li. Ms. Li’s sister also attempted to join a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. with other victims but was rejected.
Ms. Li’s sister said that for over three years, Johnson & Johnson has made no response or apology. Regarding the dismissal, she asked the prosecutor, "Would you dare let your female family members use this patch?" She added that her sister previously worked in Neihu Technology Park but is now a vegetative patient dependent on a ventilator, with no ability to care for herself. Councilor Lin Rui-tu pointed out that another contraceptive patch produced by Johnson & Johnson had caused 40 deaths overseas due to blood clots, and last year’s lawsuit resulted in a $68 million compensation ruling for consumers.
Chen Liqi, director of Taipei City’s Department of Health’s Food and Drug Division, explained that contraceptive patches increase progesterone and estrogen levels in the body, raising the risk of thrombosis as a side effect. If a clot reaches the brain, the user may suffer a stroke. Therefore, patients with high blood pressure or tumors should avoid using it. Chen emphasized that such medications should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, not self-administered.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, issued a statement on the 20th expressing regret over the incident. They stated that the plaintiff’s claims had been adjudicated by the court and declined further comment. Janssen also noted that the Evra Contraceptive Patch is a prescription medication, and women should consult a gynecologist before use.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110921/ 4/ 2z37q. html