GENERIC NAME: ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/NORELGESTROMIN PATCH - TOPICAL (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 while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems increases with age (women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).
USES: This combination hormone patch is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. The hormones release from the patch slowly over time. Using this medication patch does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
HOW TO USE: Review the Patient Information Leaflet. Follow all instructions on how to use this medication patch and also the best time (during your menstrual cycle) to start using the patch. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Open the patch container and apply one patch to an area of clean, dry skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper body (torso) exactly as directed by your doctor. The patch is worn for 7 days. Do not apply the patch to the breast(s), the area around the breast(s); to red, cut, or irritated skin; or over other topical products (e.g., make-up, creams, lotions, powders). After 7 days, remove the old patch and apply a new patch. Repeat this weekly cycle for 3 weeks (3 patches equal 1 cycle). After your third patch is removed, you will have one week without using the patch. Your menstrual cycle (period) usually should start during the week when you do not use the patch. If your menstrual cycle (period) does not begin during this week, consult your doctor. After your 4th week, begin a new patch cycle, even if you still are experiencing some bleeding (still having your period). Do not go longer than 7 days without a patch. Doing so may make this medication less effective. If the medication patch accidentally comes off, is removed, or if it becomes detached, apply a new patch. If it is detached or comes off for longer than 24 hours, or if you are not sure how long the patch has been detached or removed, use additional forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) for at least 7 days and begin a new patch cycle by immediately applying a new patch. After removing each patch, fold the patch in half so it sticks to itself and discard it in a trash container. Do not discard or flush the patches down a toilet. If you weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kg), 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. If any of this information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
- Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships - Read about the frequently asked questions about sex and relationshiops. What are the most common causes of sex problems among couples? What causes sexual problems in women?
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
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