📅 2026 Update: Recent Developments in Product Liability Lawsuits

Since the original article on Ortho Evra was published, there have been significant developments in product liability lawsuits. Various cases have emerged, highlighting ongoing concerns about drug safety and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing more context on these issues.

🚨 New Lawsuits and Consolidations

As of June 2026, there are 3,763 lawsuits regarding Ozempic and related drugs in federal court. These claims focus on severe gastrointestinal injuries and vision loss linked to the medication. This consolidation reflects the growing concerns about the safety of these drugs.

⚖️ Gardasil Lawsuit Settlement

In June 2026, Merck agreed to pay over $50 million to resolve more than 200 cases related to Gardasil. This settlement includes cases that were previously dismissed, demonstrating the ongoing impact of vaccine-related claims and the willingness of companies to settle disputes.

💊 Growth of Depo-Provera Cases

The Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation has expanded to over 5,500 cases by June 2026. These lawsuits allege a link between the contraceptive and brain tumors, indicating a significant rise in legal activity concerning this product.

⚔️ Strive Pharmacy Antitrust Case

On January 14, 2026, Strive Specialties Inc. filed a federal antitrust complaint against Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The complaint accuses these companies of stifling competition in the GLP-1 weight-loss drug market, which could have wider implications for product liability claims.

📅 Upcoming Trials

As of June 2026, no trials for the Ozempic MDL have occurred yet. Bellwether trials are expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027. The progression of these trials will be critical in determining the outcomes of the claims filed.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🚨 Over 3,763 Ozempic lawsuits are now consolidated.
  • ⚖️ Merck settled Gardasil cases for over $50 million.
  • 💊 The Depo-Provera litigation has grown to over 5,500 cases.
  • ⚔️ Strive's antitrust case may impact competition in the drug market.
  • 📅 No Ozempic trials have taken place, with bellwether trials expected soon.

💡 Tips for Navigating Product Liability Claims

Review your specific situation with an attorney to understand your options better.

📝 Know Your Eligibility

Individuals who experience severe gastrointestinal injuries or vision loss after using Ozempic may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Similarly, those diagnosed with brain tumors after using Depo-Provera should consider their legal options.

⏰ Keep Deadlines in Mind

Filing deadlines are crucial in product liability claims. For example, the first Depo-Provera lawsuit was filed on October 1, 2024. Be aware of your local statutes of limitations to ensure timely filing.

📚 Use Available Resources

The FDA provides essential information on drug safety and adverse events. This can help patients understand potential risks associated with medications they have taken.

🔍 Research Legal Aid Organizations

Nonprofit organizations may offer free legal assistance for individuals pursuing product liability claims. Many of these organizations specialize in helping those affected by defective products.

🏛️ Stay Informed About Ongoing Cases

Keeping updated on ongoing lawsuits, like the Ozempic and Depo-Provera cases, can provide insight into the broader implications of product liability claims. Monitoring developments can help you understand potential outcomes and strategies.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Currently, no national paid services meet the review criteria for this topic. Instead, we focus on free government and nonprofit resources that can assist individuals with product liability concerns.

🥇 1. FDA

The FDA offers a wealth of information on drug safety and adverse events. This resource helps individuals understand the risks associated with medications and provides updates on ongoing safety reviews.

🥈 2. Legal Aid Organizations

Various nonprofit legal aid organizations provide free assistance to individuals pursuing product liability claims. These organizations typically focus on helping low-income clients navigate complex legal systems.

🥉 3. Public Health Agencies

State and local public health agencies can provide valuable information about drug safety and ongoing public health issues. They often publish reports and updates related to medication risks and safety guidelines.

4️⃣ Patient Advocacy Groups

Patient advocacy groups focus on raising awareness about specific health issues and medications. They provide resources and support for individuals affected by drug-related injuries and may help connect them with legal assistance.

🔎 What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • ✅ Confirm the organization is reputable.
  • ✅ Verify if they offer free consultations.
  • ✅ Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients.
  • ✅ Ensure they specialize in product liability claims.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is the current status of the Ozempic lawsuits?

As of June 2026, there are 3,763 Ozempic lawsuits consolidated in federal court. No trials have taken place yet, with bellwether trials expected to begin soon.

📅 How many Depo-Provera cases are there?

By June 2026, the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation had grown to over 5,500 cases. These cases allege a possible link between the contraceptive and brain tumors.

⚖️ What kinds of injuries are being reported with Ozempic?

Individuals are reporting severe gastrointestinal injuries and vision loss after taking Ozempic. These claims are central to the ongoing lawsuits in federal court.

💰 How much did Merck settle for in the Gardasil lawsuits?

In June 2026, Merck agreed to pay over $50 million to resolve more than 200 cases related to Gardasil. This settlement covers previously dismissed claims and ongoing litigation.

📖 Where can I find more information on drug safety?

The FDA is a primary source of information on drug safety and adverse events. They publish updates and safety reviews that can help individuals stay informed.

📆 Are there deadlines for filing claims?

Yes, there are deadlines for filing product liability claims, which vary by jurisdiction. It's essential to be aware of local statutes of limitations to ensure timely action.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Product Liability

Recent court rulings highlight ongoing concerns in product liability, particularly regarding medications and their potential risks. These cases reflect the broader implications of lawsuits that can arise from drug-related injuries and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies.

Readers can browse more rulings on the news page for the latest updates on this topic.

End of October 2026 Update






A Brief Guide to Filing an Ortho Evra Lawsuit



What is Ortho Evra?



Ortho Evra, which is better known as the “patch”, is used to prevent pregnancy.  Ortho Evra is comprised of Norelgestromin Transdermal and Ethinyl Estradiol—the former is a progestin and the latter is an estrogen (both female sex hormones). When combined, the hormones prevent ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries) by altering the cervical mucus and lining of the uterus. The contraceptive patch—or Ortho Evra—is regarded as one of the more effective methods of birth control. That being said, Ortho Evra does not prevent the spread of HIV (condition that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Ortho Evra Lawsuit


Ortho Evra Side Effects:



Ortho Evra side effects are fairly common regardless of dosage levels or adherence to intake instructions. Please inform your doctor if any of these Ortho Evra side effects are persistent or severe:



• Common Ortho Evra Side Effects Include: redness, irritation or rash in the place where the patch was applied; breast discharge, enlargement or tenderness; vomiting; nausea; stomach bloating or cramps; fluctuations in weight; change in appetite; acne; hair loss; swelling of the feet, hands, ankles or lower legs; painful or missed periods; white vaginal discharge; vaginal irritation or itching; bleeding between menstrual periods.



Some Ortho Evra side effects are classified as severe. If you experience the following Ortho Evra side effects, seek immediate medical help:



• Serious Ortho Evra Side Effects Include: speech problems; dizziness; weakness of an arm or leg; sudden vomiting or headache; double vision; bulging eyes; chest tightness; shortness of breath; calf pain; severe stomach pain; extreme fatigue; fever; light-colored stool;dark colored urine; rash.



In addition to these Ortho Evra side effects, application of the patch may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, liver tumors, gallbladder disease, blood clots, heart attack and stroke. If you experience any severe Ortho Evra side effects, you or your medical professional may file a report with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or via the phone at 1-800-332-1088.  



Ortho Evra and the FDA:



Considering the bevy of Ortho Evra side effects (listed above), the USFDA has extensively studied and reviewed the contraceptive patch to ensure safe-use. In December of 2011, a panel of federal health advisers announced that the Ortho Evra Patch from Johnson & Johnson poses a significant risk of blood clots when compared to older contraception options. These results; however, did not institute an Ortho Evra recall, as the agency claimed that Ortho Evra benefits outweigh its risks. In addition to its efficiency in limiting pregnancies, panelists said Ortho Evra can pose great benefits to younger women who have difficulty sticking to a daily pill regimen.



The Ortho Evra patch was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has been marketed by Johnson & Johnson as a convenient contraception for busy women. Ortho Evra works as well as other contraceptive medications, allowing approximately one unplanned pregnancy per year for every 100 women.



Recent studies by the FDA found that users face a 50 percent higher risk of developing clots than women taking the pill. As a result of these Ortho Evra side effects, panelists ruled that Ortho Evra’s warning label is inadequate and should reflect recent test results. Despite these concerns, the FDA believes that the Ortho Evra patch fills a niche among contraception medications.



Ortho Evra Lawsuits:



Widely due to the aforementioned side effects, over 4,000 people have filed Ortho Evra  lawsuits in an attempt to secure compensation for damage imposed by the drug. The bulk of these Ortho Evra lawsuits point to Ortho Evra side effects relating to increased production of estrogen—the reaction that triggers the formation of blood clots.



These Ortho Evra lawsuits are filed by former users of the patch. The Ortho Evra lawsuit concerning the development of blood clots is filed to recoup the costs associated with the reaction, including pain and suffering, lost wages from missed work and medical bills. To win Ortho Evra lawsuits and collect a settlement, the plaintiff must definitively prove that her blood clot was a direct result of Ortho Evra use. Moreover, the plaintiff, in an Ortho Evra lawsuit, must prove that Johnson & Johnson was negligent in reporting the adverse reaction or failed to adequately test the drug for said effects.



From April 2002 to December 2004, hundreds of Ortho Evra lawsuits were filed claiming that Johnson & Johnson did not sufficiently test the drug before releasing it to the public. These Ortho Evra lawsuits, along with the others, were consolidated by multidistrict litigation—a procedure that groups all Ortho Evra lawsuits into one federal court proceeding.



Under multi-district litigation, the first 14 Ortho Evra lawsuits (known as the “bellwether Ortho Evra lawsuits”) aimed at establishing precedent. Seven of these Ortho Evra lawsuits concerned non-fatal Ortho Evra side effects, including blood clots, fatigue and bleeding, while the remaining Ortho Evra lawsuits were filed by survivors of patients who committed suicide while on the patch. The majority of these Ortho Evra lawsuits were settled out-of-court.



In April 2006, 11 New Jersey plaintiffs won Orthro Evra lawsuits from Johnson and Johnson. By October 2008, it was reported that the manufacturer had paid at least $68.7 million as part of its Ortho Evra settlement expenses.



 



Source:



1. Huffington Post “Ortho Evra: Birth Control patch’s Benefits Outweigh Risks:



FDA” by Perrone, Matthew retrieved from: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/09/ortho-evra-birth-control-patch-fda_n_1139955.html



2. https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm319219.htm



3. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm110402.htm



4. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm110403.htm



5. United States National Library of Medicine “Ethinyl Estradiol and Norelgestromin Transdermal” retrieved from:



https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000187/