Time Magazine Names Birth Control Patch One of the Year's Coolest Inventions

		TIME NAMES BIRTH CONTROL PATCH ONE OF YEAR'S COOLEST INVENTIONS ORTHO EVRA(TM) (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system), the first weekly birth control patch, was named by TIME magazine as one of this year's coolest health inventions. Easy-to-use and non-invasive, it is 99 percent effective when used correctly -- the same as the Pill. In only six months on the market, ORTHO EVRA has already become one of the most popular contraceptive options. ORTHO EVRA is marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information attached or visit http://www.orthoevra.com. (PRNewsFoto)[TK] RARITAN, NJ USA

- ORTHO EVRA(TM) (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) Offers Women a Revolutionary Method of Birth Control That Is As Effective as the Pill and Even Simpler - RARITAN, N.J., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- TIME magazine has named ORTHO EVRA(TM) (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system), the first-ever weekly birth control patch, one of this year's coolest inventions. The "Coolest Inventions of 2002" is featured in the November 18th issue of TIME, which hit newsstands today and includes products at the vanguard of life- changing innovations. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021111/NYM040 ) The world's first and only birth control patch, ORTHO EVRA has been widely embraced by women in the United States. Since its launch in April, it has already become one of the most popular contraceptive options. The thin, beige patch is 99% effective when used correctly -- the same as the Pill -- and offers the convenience of once-a-week dosing. In fact, a May 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that the simplicity of once-a-week dosing has a positive effect on women's ability to use ORTHO EVRA correctly. ORTHO EVRA can be worn discreetly on one of four body sites (the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, front and back, excluding the breasts, or upper outer arm) for one week at a time, and is replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks. ORTHO EVRA utilizes a design in which the active medication, the film that controls release of the medication, and the adhesive backing are integrated into one thin layer. It releases hormones continuously through the skin and into the bloodstream. "We're honored that TIME has selected ORTHO EVRA as one of the coolest inventions of the year," said Seth H.Z. Fischer, president, Ortho-McNeil. "Ortho-McNeil has a long history of introducing innovative, breakthrough products in women's healthcare and the wide appeal and acceptance of the product in its first year reinforces that." Fischer added that the company's extensive consumer research helped guide the development of ORTHO EVRA. "Women told us that they wanted to simplify their lives, and the patch helps them do just that. Instead of having to remember their birth control every day, ORTHO EVRA gives women the flexibility and simplicity associated with once-a-week dosing." The patch is already the fastest growing hormonal contraceptive, according to IMS Health, a company that tracks prescription pharmaceutical sales. Earlier this year, EVRA was approved by regulatory authorities in Canada and Europe. The product will be marketed by Janssen-Ortho Inc. in Canada and by Janssen Cilag companies in Europe. Women in the U.S. can learn more about ORTHO EVRA by calling 1-877-BC-PATCH or visiting http://www.orthoevra.com . ORTHO EVRA is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. ORTHO EVRA is not for everyone. Women should speak with their health care professional about which birth control method is right for them. The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. Hormonal contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of the contraceptive patch are not serious and those that are, occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life-threatening, include blood clots, stroke or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the contraceptive patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. ORTHO EVRA was developed by the Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C and is marketed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. Ortho-McNeil is a pioneer in contraception and a leader in women's health care. Ortho-McNeil offers the broadest range of prescription birth control options, including nine birth control pills, a leading intrauterine device (IUD), diaphragms and now the first birth control patch. The company also markets prescription pharmaceutical products in other therapeutic categories, including central nervous system, urology, infectious disease, analgesics and wound healing. For more information, visit http://www.orthoevra.com or http://www.ortho-mcneil.com . Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information attached or visit http://www.orthoevra.com .