WASHINGTON -- The government is being asked to pull the birth-control patch off the market.

The Public Citizen consumer advocacy group says the Ortho-Evra patch is much riskier than the pill.

A 2005 investigation by The Associated Press found patch users suffer higher rates of life-threatening blood clots than women who take birth-control pills.

Nearly 10 million prescriptions were filled in 2004. That number plunged to 2.7 million last year.

The manufacturer insists the patch is safe and effective when used as directed.

Public Citizen is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to phase out patch sales over six months. Existing users could only get refills, allowing them time to switch to another contraceptive.

The FDA said it has yet to review the petition.