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norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol patch - transdermal, Ortho Evra

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GENERIC NAME: NORELGESTROMIN/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL PATCH - TRANSDERMAL (ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/nor-el-JESS-troh-min)

BRAND NAME(S): Ortho Evra

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Smoking cigarettes/using tobacco while using this medication increases your chance of heart problems or stroke. Do not smoke. The risk of heart problems increases with age (especially in women over 35) and with frequent smoking (15 or more cigarettes a day).

USES: This medication is a combination of 2 hormones (an estrogen and a progestin) and is used to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also can work by making vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).Studies have shown that the total amount of estrogen you receive when using the patch is higher than the amount from most birth control pills. This may increase the risk for blood clots or other side effects from the birth control patch compared to the pill. If you weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kilograms), this patch may not work as well for you. Make sure your doctor knows your current weight, and ask about which form of birth control is best for you.

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