Ortho Evra

What Is It?

Ortho Evra is a thin patch applied to the skin by the woman and worn for 3 weeks then removed for 1 week. It contains the hormones estrogen and progestin.

How Does It Work?

When you wear ORTHO EVRA, patch technology delivers a steady flow of hormones through the skin and into your bloodstream over a period of 7 days. ORTHO EVRA contains the same hormones found in the Pill—progestin and estrogen.  It helps prevent ovulation, which means that an egg is not released by one of your ovaries for fertilization. It thickens cervical mucus so that sperm are less likely to enter your uterus. It causes changes in the endometrium to reduce the likelihood of implantation.

How Is It Used?

Open the foil pouch by tearing it along the top edge and one side edge. Peel the foil pouch apart and open it flat. The Patch is covered by a layer of clear plastic. Remove the Patch and the plastic together from the foil pouch. Using your fingernail, lift one corner of the Patch and peel it and the plastic off the foil liner. Sometimes patches can stick to the inside of the pouch—be careful not to accidentally remove the clear liner as you remove the Patch. Peel away half of the clear plastic. (Avoid touching the sticky surface of the Patch with your fingers.) Apply the sticky side of the Patch to clean and dry skin, then remove the other half of the clear plastic. Press firmly on the Patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure the edges stick well. Run your fingers around the edge of the Patch to make sure it is sticking properly. Check your patch every day to make sure all edges are sticking. Do not cut, damage or alter the ORTHO EVRA patch in any way.

How Well Does It Work?

As effective as the Pill, ORTHO EVRA is the first weekly form of reversible contraception that's 99 percent effective when used correctly. Clinical data from 3 extensive trials with more than 3,300 women with over 22,000 menstrual cycles have demonstrated the efficacy of the birth control patch.ORTHO EVRA helps prevent pregnancy the same way birth control pills do: by preventing ovulation. This means that the ovary does not release an egg to be fertilized. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and it changes the endometrium to reduce the chance of implantation.

What Are Its Main Advantages?

ORTHO EVRA is the first weekly form of birth control. You put on a new patch once a week, for 3 consecutive weeks each month. Then go "patch-free" the fourth week when you get your period.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported with the use of the Patch. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use the Patch are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant.

What are the warning signs?

Abdominal pain (severe),chest pain (severe) or shortness of breath, headaches (severe), eye problems such as blurred vision or loss vision, severe leg pain (calf or thigh)