Evra/Ortho Evra (Norelgestromin Ethinyl estradiol)

The Patch – Evra (known as Ortho Evra in the U.S.) is a reversible hormonal method of birth control available by prescription only. It is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. A new patch is placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm or upper torso once a week for three out of four weeks. With the same pharmaceutical formulation as the birth control Cyclen, Evra provides the simplicity of weekly contraception dosing by avoiding taking a daily pill.

The Patch works best when it is changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a row. Each patch has the same amount of medication. The hormonal compounds are mixed with the patch adhesive so if it is not sticking to you, you are not receiving the drug and you may not be protected. Make sure you follow application instructions and apply to clean, dry, intact, and healthy skin before applying creams, lotions, oils or powder. Press down firmly and hold with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds making sure all edges stick well. Check the patch everyday and hold for 10 seconds if a corner seems to be lifting. Yo

Pregnancy can happen if
it becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours
the same patch is left on the skin for more than one week
If either of these things happens, follow the directions in your package insert and call your doctor.

Like oral contraceptives, you can expect your menstrual cycle to begin a couple of days after removing the 3rd patch (during the patch free week).

CAUTION: Tempting though it is, DO NOT cut the patch into decorative shapes such as a heart, or attempt to write or colour a design on the patch. Altering the patch in any way may affect the medication being delivered through the skin, increasing the risk of contraceptive failure and a possible pregnancy.

EFFECTIVENESS
The patch is a very effective reversible method of birth control. The EVRA birth control patch is 99% effective when used correctly.

Certain medications may make the Patch less effective. Ask your doctor for advice. Until then, use an additional method of birth control.

ADVANTAGES OF THE EVRA PATCH
Using the EVRA Patch is simple, safe and convenient and does not involve taking daily pills
many women who use the Patch have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods
a woman’s ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use of the Patch is stopped
The Patch does not interfere with having sex

Health benefits are similar to those of the birth control pill.
including some protection against:

• Irregular periods
• Cramping
• Infection of the fallopian tubes
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Noncancerous breast lumps
• Ovarian cysts
• Cancer of the ovaries and/or lining of the uterus
• Acne
• P.M.S. as well as related headaches
• Osteoporosis

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Less than 3% of women experience a reaction to the adhesive. If this occurs, remove and apply a new patch in another area. You should only ever have on one patch at a time.

• The patch material and the adhesive are latex free.
• Most side effects of the contraceptive patch are not serious and those that are, occur infrequently. In clinical trials of the Evra birth control patch, some women experienced breast symptoms, headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
• The contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. You should not be on the patch if you have a history of previous blood clots, certain cancers, heart attack or stroke.
• Although infrequent, serious risks include blood clots, stroke or heart attacks.
• Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35.
• Women using hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO CHANGE THE PATCH?

At the start of the cycle (day 1)

• Apply a new patch as soon as you remember
• Use backup contraception for 1 week
• Apply the next patch on your normal Patch Change Day

At the week 2 or 3 patch change

• If 1 or 2 days late, remove the old patch and apply a new one
• Apply the next patch on your normal Patch Change Day
• No backup contraception is needed

If more than 2 days late

• If intercourse took place during this interval, you may want to discuss emergency contraception with your health care provider
• Apply a new patch as soon as you remember and start a new 4-week cycle
• Use backup contraception for 1 week
• Note: This means you will now have a new start date and Patch Change Day

If you forget to remove the patch during the 4th week

• Take the patch off as soon as you remember
• Start your next cycle on the normal start date
• You do not need to use a backup method of contraception

It is very important to remember that the Patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female condom with the Patch to reduce the risk of infection.

More Evra/Ortho Evra (Norelgestromin Ethinyl estradiol) Information