What is this medication for?
This is a combination medication that contains two hormones: norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol. It is a contraceptive (birth control) patch that is worn on the skin, and it is used to prevent pregnancy by altering the female reproductive cycle. Norelgestromin - ethinyl estradiol is continuously absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, and it works by preventing eggs from being released by the ovaries and making changes to the cervical mucus so that it becomes harder for sperm to swim.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ortho Evra® is available as:
- patch
- 0.15 mg norelgestromin and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol per 24 hours
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Follow the instructions in the package insert or those given to you by your doctor.
A new patch is applied every week for 3 weeks. During the fourth week, no patch is worn and menstruation will occur. The patch is changed each week and is worn for 7 days. Always change the patch on the same day of the week. Never be without a
patch for longer than 7 days at a time - you may not be protected against
pregnancy.
Only one patch should be worn at a time. Apply the patch to clean, dry, healthy skin. The patch must stick securely to your skin in order for it to work properly. It should be applied to the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a spot that will not be rubbed by clothing. Do not apply it to the breast. Do not apply the patch on red, irritated, or cut skin. Do not use creams or other skin products on the area where the patch is currently applied or where you will be soon placing the patch.
If your patch has become loose or has fallen off for less than one day, try to re-apply it or apply a new patch immediately. No back-up contraception is needed. Your "patch Cchange day" will remain the same.
If your patch has become loose or has fallen off for for more than one day or if you are not sure for how long, you may become pregnant. Start a new 4-week cycle immediately by putting on a new patch. You now have a new Day 1 and a new "patch change day." You must use back-up contraception, such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm for the first week of your new cycle.
Do not try to re-apply a patch if it's no longer sticky, if it has become stuck to itself or another surface, if it has other material stuck to it, or if it has previously become loose or fallen off. No tapes or wraps should be used to keep the patch in place. If you cannot re-apply a patch, apply a new patch immediately.
If you make a dosing error (e.g., forget to change your patch), check the instructions that came with the medication. If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor and use a backup method of birth control. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not cut, damage, or alter the patch in any way.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to norelgestromin or ethinyl estradiol or to any of the other ingredients of the medication
- are or may be pregnant
- are using oral contraceptives (i.e., birth control pills)
- have a history of blood clots or blood clotting disorder (blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes)
- have a history of breast cancer
- have cerebrovascular (brain blood vessel) or coronary artery disease
- have a type of cancer that depends on estrogen to grow
- have diabetes with blood vessel involvement
- have had a heart attack or chest pain (angina)
- have had a stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke")
- have had major surgery with prolonged bed rest or immobility
- have headaches accompanied by certain nerve function problems (ones that affect a particular area or function)
- have, or suspect you may have, breast cancer
- have, or suspect you may have, cancer of the reproductive organs (e.g., endometrium)
- have liver disease or liver tumors (benign or malignant)
- have severe high blood pressure (>160/100 mm Hg)
- have thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorder
- have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- have valvular heart disease with complications
- have yellowing of the eyes or skin during pregnancy or with hormonal contraceptives