Ortho Evra patch

Birth control in the 21st Century is ripe with new products and better options for women wanting to postpone pregnancy. Ortho Evra is a hormonal patch approved by the FDA earlier this year. Locally, Women's Health Services began distributing the patch last summer.

Similar to the birth control pill and hormonal shots, the patch is a 28-day regimen contains 2 synthetic hormones: estrogen and progestin. Once applied to the body, the hormones are continuously absorbed by the skin and into the bloodstream resulting in one of two effects. The hormones will either stop ovulation and prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, or the mucus lining of the cervix will change, serving as a barrier for sperm trying to enter the uterus.

A single Ortho Evra patch is worn once a week for three weeks in a row. During the fourth week, no patch is worn and most women will have a period at this time. Following Week 4, users must repeat the same application routine each month, being carefully to apply the patch on the same day of the week each week Ortho Evra is worn.

Note:
Patients should avoid placing the next patch in the exact same spot and monitor their skin. Do not apply Ortho Evra to skin that's irritated. Throughout each week of wear, check the patch to ensure it's sticking well.

How it's applied & removed
Each patch should be applied to a new area that's clean, dry, and free from body lotions and similar products. When removing a patch, lift a corner and peel off, being carefully to fold the patch in half with the adhesive sides together. If some adhesive is left on the skin simply rub the area with baby oil.

Missed, loose or lost patches
If, in mid-cycle, a patch is late being replaced by 1 or 2 days, remove the used patch and apply a new one immediately. The next week's patch should be applied on the normal patch change day. If more than 2 days late, remove the used patch, apply a new one and begin using a backup method of birth control for 1 week. The next patch will be applied on this new day.

If you forget to remove the patch during week 4, take it off as soon as possible and begin your next cycle on the normal patch change day. No backup contraception is needed.

If at the beginning of cycle and are more than one day late in putting on a new patch, a backup method of birth control must be used for one week. Apply it as soon as remembered and realize this day has become the new patch change day.

If a patch becomes loose, press firmly on the patch.

If it fails to stick, apply a replacement patch. If a patch is lost, Women's Health Services has replacement patches. We recommend patches are stored at room temperature, in an area safe from children and/or pets.

Like the birth control pill, Ortho Evra is 99% effective against pregnancy. No contraceptive is 100% and woman can experience failure, i.e. pregnancy, if they're late changing their patches, don't change them the same day every week, or take certain medications.

The most common side effects, similar to those experienced with the birth control pill, include:

Women who take use Ortho Evra are at increased risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Chances may increase with age, if she smokes, and her health history. Immediately call Women's Health Services if the following signs occur:

Link to FAQ about The Ortho Evra Patch.

By being frank with your healthcare provider, the two of you can work together to determine the birth control and disease prevention methods that best suits your health, your preferences and your lifestyle.

For more information, click on the hormonal and barrier click on the links below.

Back To
Obstetrics

LOCATIONS: