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ORTHO EVRA (The Patch)

Ortho Evra is a contraceptive patch. It contains synthetic estrogen and progesterone similar to birth control pills. The patch must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

HOW IT WORKS:

Ortho Evra prevents pregnancy by preventing eggs from being released from the ovaries and causing changes in the cervix and the lining of the uterus. It does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

HOW TO USE:

The first patch is usually applied on the first Sunday after the period starts. For example, if you start your period on Wednesday, the patch should be applied the following Sunday. If you start your period on a Sunday, apply the patch that day. Apply the patch whether or not you are still bleeding. Use a back-up method of birth control (such as condoms, VCF, or a diaphragm) for the first two weeks after beginning to use the patch. Each patch is worn for one week. After 3 weeks, no patch is worn for one week. It is during this “patch-free week” that a woman usually has her period. After this “patch-free week” a new 3 week cycle of patches should begin.

The patch can be applied anywhere on the torso or upper arm except the breasts. The application site should be rotated so that the same location is not used two weeks in a row.

If a patch comes off, a new patch should be applied for the remainder of the week. This new patch should be changed on the regular patch change day. If you should forget to change your patch on the regular day, call Women’s Clinic for instructions.

EFFECTIVENESS:

The failure rate of Ortho Evra is less than 1% for most women. This means that during the first year of use, less than 1 out of 1000 women who use Ortho Evra will become pregnant.

ADVANTAGES:

• Very effective
• Decreases menstrual cramps and pain
• Does not interfere with intercourse
• Decreases risk for uterine and ovarian cancers
• Decreases risk for ovarian cysts
• Only need to remember to change the patch once a week

WARNINGS:

Some women may not be able to use Ortho Evra. This includes women with a history of cardiovascular disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, smokers over 35 years of age, and women who weigh more than 190 pounds.

SIDE EFFECTS:

The possible side effects for Ortho Evra include breast tenderness, redness at application site, spotting between periods, nausea or vomiting, headaches, depression or mood changes, and weight gain or loss. A woman can have all of these side effects or none at all. Most of these side effects resolve within 3 months after starting the patch.

SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS:

As with most medications, there are some possible severe side effects associated with Ortho Evra. They include blood clots which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, liver tumors, and increased blood pressure. The warning signs for these are severe leg pain (calf or thigh), severe abdominal pain, severe chest pain, severe headaches that do not resolve with Tylenol or another pain killer, and blurriness of vision or loss of vision. Although these side effects are rare, you should be aware of them. Contact Women’s Clinic or go to an emergency room if you experience any of them.