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Recent pharmacokinetic data clarify that women who use the Ortho Evra transdermal contraceptive patch are exposed to higher estrogen levels than women who use oral contraceptives (OCs) or the vaginal ring (Journal Watch Women’s Health Oct 18 2005). The use of estrogen-containing contraceptives, as well as pregnancy, is associated with an elevated risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). To date, there is no evidence that VTE risk is higher with the patch than with OCs. Nonetheless, citing pharmacokinetic data, the FDA approved updated labeling for Ortho Evra on November 10, 2005, to advise clinicians and patients that estrogen exposure is higher with the patch than with typical OCs containing 35 μg of estrogen. The FDA recommends that women s…