Drug Uses

Ortho Evra is a birth control skin patch used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormone combination - estrogen and progestin. It does not protect you against HIV or any sexually transmitted diseases.

How Taken

The patch is used in four week cycle. New patch should be applied during the three weeks of menstruation cycle, and during the fourth week the patch shouldn't be applied, because of the menstruation. Every patch should be applied on the same day of week. You should follow your doctor directions when applying the patch and when backup protection may be needed. Clean and dry the area of the skin where the patch has to be applied. It can be placed on the buttock, upper outer arm, or upper torso, where it won't be rubbed by clothing. Patch can't be applied onto breasts. Every new patch can be applied to a different region of the body to avoid skin irritation. Patch shouldn't be applied to regions where skin is irritated, red or cut. Creams, oils, powders or makeup shouldn't be used near the area where patch is placed, as it may cause the patch to become loose. You should only wear one patch at a time.

Warnings/Precautions

Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, clotting disorders, heart attack, cancer, or tumors may increase risks associated with using Ortho Evra. The patch may be less effective in women weighing more than 90 kg (198 lbs). Ortho Evra cause defects to an unborn baby, and have decreasing effect on milk flow. It also may change composition of breast milk. If you are breast feeding you should consult your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you happen to forgot to change your patch at the start of any patch cycle on week one you should use back up contraception, because you may become pregnant. Apply new patch as soon as you remember. You will have new cycle starting day and you should count cycle from that day. If you happen to forgot to change your patch on week two or three then you should apply the patch as soon as you remember. Next patch should be placed on a normal day. You won't need any backup contraceptive. However if you forgot to apply a new patch for more than two or three days you may become pregnant, and you should use backup contraception. You should start a new four week cycle. If you forget to remove your patch after third week you should remove it as soon as you remember. Your cycle have to be started normally, and no back up contraception is needed.

Possible Side Effects

When using Ortho Evra you may experience the following side effects: breast tenderness and enlargement, headache, nausea, menstrual changes, abdominal cramps and bloating or vaginal discharge.

Storage

Patches should be stored in their pouches at temperature of 25°C (77°F), temperature may vary from 15 to 30°C (59-86°F). Patches should be applied immediately after removing the pouch. Patches can't be stored in refrigerator or freezer. Used patches still contain some active hormones, so they should be folded in half before disposal. They shouldn't be flushed down the toilet.

Overdose

Overdosage of contraceptive may eventually cause nausea and vomiting, eventually vaginal bleeding in females, but since Ortho Evra comes in patches and releases a steady amount of hormones at a time, then it shouldn't cause overdosage, unless used few patches at the same time. In case of such effects you should consult your doctor.

More Information

Before prescribing hormonal contraceptives your doctor need to examine your medical and family history and full examination. Examination may be postponed if your doctor believes it's appropriate, but examination should be performed at least once a year. This drug shouldn't be used for any other purposes than those for which it was prescribed. Prescription of this contraceptive is person specific, do not give this contraceptive to any other person. Smoking should be avoided while taking this contraceptive.

Disclaimer

Information presented on this page is for informational purposes only. This information doesn't cover all interactions, precautions or adverse effects of treatment with this medicament. We disclaim all responsibility for any consequences, which may arise while taking this drug without proper consultation with doctor or pharmacist. We give no warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.