Ortho Evra, or “the Patch,” is a weekly birth control that you wear on your body, and stays put through everyday activity. Once a week for three weeks, you place the thin, beige, plastic patch on to your skin - abdomen, upper arm, buttocks or upper back. The fourth week is patch free. Most women will have some bleeding during the patch-free week.
The Patch contains the same hormones (estrogen and progestin) as the birth control pill and contraceptive ring, with approximately the same effectiveness and side effects.
For those women who have trouble remembering to take a pill every day the Patch may be a more effective method.
How to decide if the Patch is a good choice for you:
- If you have a hard time remembering to take a pill every day, this can be an excellent choice for you.
- If you have a difficult time swallowing pills
- If you are uncomfortable using a vaginal method
- If you do not want a long term method
- If you do not want an injection
- You should not be on the patch if you are over 35 and smoke.
Please learn more about the Patch by choosing any of the questions below.
How effective is the Patch?
Effectiveness: 95-99%. There is some evidence of reduced effectiveness for women in the 200+ weight range. Do not use lotions, creams or soaps with moisturizers on area where you place the patch.
How do I get the Patch?
You must get a prescription for the Patch from your health care provider.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the Patch?
Advantages:
- Can make periods more regular and less painful
- No pill to take daily
- Ability to become pregnant returns quickly after stopping the patch
- We give you an RX that you take to your drugstore to have filled
Disadvantages & Side Effects:
- Can irritate the skin under the patch
- Breast pain, tenderness or swelling
- Headaches
What are the warning signs of problems with the Patch?
Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Abdominal pain (severe)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Headaches (severe)
- Eye problems, such as blurred vision or loss of vision
- Severe pain, weakness or numbness in arms, legs or face
SPECIAL NOTES
The patch does not protect you against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Use condoms and spermicide along with the patch to prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs. Skipping periods on the patch is not unusual. If you do miss a period, continue with the patch, take a pregnancy test, and consult your provider if needed. Always inform health care providers that you are on the patch. This is especially important if you are prescribed other medications, if you are hospitalized, or if you are being treated for a medical problem. For more information, visit www.orthoevra.com or call 1-877-387-2888.