Close Menu
Free Initial Consultation Call Today!
New York City Medical Malpractice Lawyer
+
New York City Medical Malpractice Lawyer > In the Media > Subway Teen 1st ‘Patch’ Death

Subway Teen 1st ‘Patch’ Death

By Marsha Kranes

The tragic death of 18-year-old Manhattan fashion student Zakiya Kennedy is the first linked to the use of a contraceptive patch, officials for both the manufacture and the Food and Drug Administration said yesterday.

Investigators believe the aspiring model, who died Friday after collapsing in a midtown subway station, succumbed to a rare side effect of the birth control patch, which she had been using for three weeks.

They’re convinced – based on information form the medical examiners office – her death was caused by a blood clot that formed as a result of her using the patch.

“We’re no aware of any other death associated with use of the contraceptive patch,” said FDA spokeswoman Susan Cruzan.

Ortho Evra manufactured by Orhto-McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is the only contraceptive patch with FDA approval, Cruzan said. It was approved in November 2001.

“Blood clots are a rare side effect,” spokeswoman Mona Terrell said, adding that Ortho-McNeil is “following up with the medical examiner’s office for more information.”

Heartsick relatives said Zakiya had recently complained of leg pains, a common symptom of blood clots.

Officials said that when the teen collapsed on the subway she was not wearing a patch, which is routinely removed for a week after three weeks’ use.

Her family blamed her boyfriend in her death after he pushed her in an argument minutes before she collapsed.

View image-version of this article

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
MileMark Media

© 2024 Michael Gunzburg, P.C. All rights reserved.
This law firm marketing website is managed by MileMark Media.