Patch

• Ortho Evra is also called “the patch.” It looks similar to a Bandaid, but it’s square.
• It has the same ingredients as the birth control pill, estrogen and progesterone; but they are slowly absorbed into the body through the skin.
• The patch prevents pregnancy in the same way the pill does: it prevents eggs from being released (ovulation), and it makes the fluid around the cervix (the opening to the uterus) thicker so sperm have a hard time getting through.
• Ortho Evra is 99% effective if used properly, which is similar to the effectiveness of the pill. The patch may be a little more effective because it’s easier for most women to use right. It may be less effective if the woman weighs over 200 lbs.

The possible advantages often include:

• Less acne (pimples).
• Periods that are shorter, lighter and more regular. There may be less cramping.
• There is nothing to put in place before sex. She only has to remember to change the patch once a week.
• She doesn’t have to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.
• Discreet. She can place the patch many different places.
• Lowers the chance of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, non-cancerous breast tumors and ovarian cysts.
• Less iron deficiency anemia (a lack of iron in the blood).

There are possible side effects. Most are mild and go away by 3 months. Call us with any concerns. These may include:

• Spotting between periods.
• Nausea.
• Breast tenderness.
• Mood swings.
• Worse menstrual cramps.
• Skin irritation where the patch is placed.
• Weight gain
• The patch offers NO protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)!

Serious side effects are rare, but if you have any of the side effects listed below call WSTC or your local E.R. immediately.

• A: Abdominal pain.
• Chest pain (severe), cough, shortness of breath.
• Headache (unusual or severe), dizziness, weakness, numbness.
• Eye problems (vision loss or blurring).
• Severe pain in your legs.

It is strongly recommended that smokers should NOT use the patch. Smoking increases the chances of serious side effects.

The link between the pill (and thus the patch) and breast cancer remains controversial. It is believed that while being on pills/the patch may promote the growth of breast cancer that is already present. They will not cause cancer.

• Make an appointment with a doctor to evaluate whether the patch would be the best option or not.
• Start the patch the Sunday after a period starts.
• Apply the patch to either the buttocks, lower abdomen, the upper back or the upper outer arm. The patch won’t work right if it is not in the correct location.
• Clean the skin to remove any lotions, make-up or dirt before putting on a new patch.
• To apply the patch, carefully remove the backing and put it onto clean, dry skin. Hold a hand firmly over the patch for 10 –20 seconds.
• When starting the patch, it will take a week before it works to prevent pregnancy. During this time, either do not have sex or use another method of birth control.
• Apply a new patch on the same day each week for 3 weeks. For example, if the first patch went on on Sunday, apply the next patch on the next Sunday. If someone needs to change her “patch change day” ask a nurse how to do this.
• Always remove the old patch and choose a new skin site for the next week to avoid skin irritation.
• To remove the patch, just pull it off quickly. Use baby oil to remove any remaining adhesive or marks. Fold the patch over and throw it away.
• After applying one new patch for 3 consecutive weeks there is a “patch free” 4th week. She should get her period then— (she’s still protected against pregnancy during this week).
• Restart the cycle with a new patch from a new pack after the 4th patch free week.

She forgot to change her patch?

• If she forgot to restart the patch on her regular patch start day, she should put on a new patch as soon as she can. This day is her new “patch change day”. She should pretend she is starting a whole new cycle. Apply a new patch on the same day each week for 3 more weeks. Use a backup method of birth control for the first 10 days.
• She may have spotting (bleeding between periods) if she starts late. This is not harmful.
• If she continually forgets to apply patches on time, call WSTC for tips on remembering.

The Patch comes off or it seems loose?

• If it happens within a day of putting on a new patch, and the patch still sticks well, try to reattach it; press it back down and hold your hand firmly over it for 10 seconds.
• If it’s been more than a day since application, if it doesn’t re-stick well, or if it has stuck to itself or something else, apply a new patch. This starts a whole new cycle. Apply a new patch on that same day each week for 3 more weeks. Use a back-up method for the first 10 days. This is the new “patch change day”.
• Don’t tape the patch down, as it won’t deliver the medicine well. We can give an extra patch to a client with a loose one, or if one falls off.
• Let all your doctors know you’re on the patch. Some medications interact with it like many antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and even some over the counter medicines like St. Johns Wort.