Basics about the CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH (Ortho Evra®)

• The CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH works mainly by keeping
  the woman’s egg from leaving her ovaries.
• It is a weekly hormonal birth control patch that is
  worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy.
• It delivers continuous levels of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol
  through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Couples might LIKE the CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH because:

• It does not interrupt having sex.
• There are no pills to take every day.
• It needs to be changed ONLY once a week for three weeks in a row, then
  it is removed for one week "patch-free”

Couples might DISLIKE the CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH because:

• Offers no protection against transmission of STIs/STDs and HIV/AIDS
• May not be the right option for women who want total privacy with their
  birth control decision since it must be worn

More Info on the CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH (Ortho Evra®)

How well does the patch work?

The Ortho Evra birth control patch is 99% effective when used correctly.

How does the contraceptive patch compare with the effectiveness of other forms of birth control?

Women out of 100 that got pregnant using the methods below

Abstinence  No women Depo Provera Shots  1 out of 100 Sterilization  1 out of 100 Contraceptive Patch  1 out of 100 IUD  2 out of 100 Vaginal Ring  2 out of 100  The Pill  3 out of 100 Male Condom  12 out of 100 Spermicide  16-21 out of 100 Diaphragm  18 out of 100 NFP/FAM  20 out of 100 Female Condom  21 out of 100 No Method  85 out of 100

How does it work?

Ortho Evra prevents pregnancy the same way as birth control pills. It works primarily by preventing ovulation. It also causes changes to the cervical mucus and the endometrium.


How does it work?

    The patch is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with 
    the fourth week patch-free.Your doctor will advise you which way will be best for you to start the patch.
    Ortho Evra uses a 28-day, or four-week cycle. You should apply a new patch on the same day of the week for three 
    consecutive weeks, for a total of 21 days. You should not apply a patch during the fourth week. Your menstrual 
    period should start during this “patch free” week. Every new patch should be applied on the same day of each week. 
    This will be your “Patch Change Day.” For example, if you apply your first patch on a Monday, all your patches 
    should be applied an a Monday. You should only wear one birth control patch at a time.
    The birth control patch may be worn on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (front and back, excluding the breasts) 
    or upper outer arm.To apply the patch open the foil pouch by tearing it along the top edge and one side edge. Peel 
    the foil pouch apart and open it flat. You will see that a layer of clear plastic covers the patch. It is important to 
    remove the patch and the plastic together from the foil pouch. Using your fingernail, lift one corner of the patch and 
    the plastic off the foil liner. Peel away half of the clear plastic and be careful not to touch the exposed sticky surface 
    of the patch with your fingers. Apply the sticky side of the patch to the skin you have cleaned and dried, 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 everyday to make sure all the edges are sticking. To remove your used patch, simply lift one 
    corner and quickly peel back. Carefully fold the used patch in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away. 
    You can expect your menstrual period to begin a few days after removing the third birth control patch (during the 
    patch free week). Remember to apply your new patch to a new area of skin that is clean, dry, and free of lotions, 
    oils, and creams.

Possible side effects:

• Breast symptoms
• Headache
• Skin irritation at the application site
• Upper respiratory illness
• Menstrual cramps
• Abdominal cramps

Serious risks, which can be life threatening, (these risks are increased if you smoke) include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attacks

Signs there might be a problem:

You should go to your nearest hospital emergency room if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area
- Sharp chest pain, coughing of blood, or sudden shortness of breath
- Crushing chest pain or tightness in the chest
- Sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting
- Sudden partial or complete loss of vision
- Pain in the calf
- Breast lumps
- Severe problems with sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or change in mood
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyeballs