Drug Uses

Ortho Evra is a birth control skin patch that is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones - estrogen and progestin. Ortho Evra cannot protect you any sexually transmitted disease such as HIV infection (AIDS).

How Taken

This contraceptive uses a cycle of 28 days (4 weeks). You should apply a patch on the skin and keep it in place for a week. Each week you should apply a new patch for a period of three weeks in a row, or 21 days. Do not apply a patch during the forth weeks. You should have your menstruation during this week when you do not apply a patch. Each patch should be applied on the same day of the week. You should strictly follow the instruction of your doctor about when to start using the patches and about the need to use a second birth-control method. The skin area where you apply the patch should be clean and dry. You may apply it on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso. You should avoid rubbing it with tight clothing. Do not apply Ortho Evra patch on the breasts. You may apply each new patch on a different skin area to avoid skin irritation. The patches should not be applied on irritated, red or cut skin. You should not use creams, oils, powder or make-up on the skin where you have applied a patch because it may become loose. If a patch causes a skin irritation, you can remove it and apply a new patch on a new location. You should use only one patch at a time.

Warnings/Precautions

The risks associated with the usage of Ortho Evra enhance much in case you smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors. This contraceptive may be less effective in women whose weight is more than 90 kg (198 lbs). Consult your doctor before using Ortho Evra if you weight more than 90 kg. Ortho Evra falls into the FDA pregnancy category X which means it is known to cause birth defects in a fetus. Pregnant women should not use Ortho Evra. Consult your doctor before using this contraceptive if you are breast feeding because it may reduce the production of breast milk and may have other effects on its composition.

Missed Dose

If you forget to change your patch:
At the beginning of a patch cycle - 1st week (1st day): there is a possibility to become pregnant if you forget to apply a patch, so you must use a second contraceptive method for one week. You should apply the patch as soon as you remember. You need to start all over again and to have a new day for patch change.
In the middle of a patch cycle - 2nd week or 3rd week: if you forget to change the patch for one or two days, change it as soon as you remember and apply the next patch on the scheduled day for change. There is no need to use a second contraceptive method. 2nd week or 3rd week: if you forget to change your patch for more than two days, there is a possibility to become pregnant. You should start a new 28-day cycle as soon as you remember as you apply a new patch. You need to start all over again and to have a new day for patch change. You must use a second contraceptive method during the first week of the new cycle.
At the end of a patch cycle - 4th week: if you forget to remove your patch, you should do that as soon as you remember. Yu should start the next cycle on the scheduled day for patch change after the 28th day. There is no need to use a second contraceptive method.
At the beginning of the next patch cycle - 1st week (1st day): if you forget to put a patch, there is a possibility to become pregnant. Apply the patch as soon as you remember. You need to start all over again and to have a new day for patch change. You must use a second contraceptive method during the first week of the new cycle.

Possible Side Effects

The most frequent adverse effects caused by Ortho Evra include:
-breast tenderness and enlargement
-headache
-nausea
-menstrual changes
-abdominal cramps and bloating
-vaginal discharge.

Storage

Ortho Evra should be stored at a temperature of 25°C (77°F); fluctuations allowed to 15-30°C (59-86°F). The patches should be kept in their protective pouches. The patch should be applied immediately after you remove it from the protective pouch. Ortho Evra patches should not be kept in a refrigerator or freezer. The used patches contain some active hormones so you should fold each patch carefully in half and dispose of it. Do not flush used patches down in the toilet.

Overdose

An overdose of Ortho Evra is unlikely to occur because the patch releases even and steady amounts of the hormones. You should not use more than one patch at a time. Serious adverse effects have not been reported after children accidentally took excessive dosage of oral contraceptives. An overdose may cause nausea and vomiting. Females may experience vaginal bleeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

You have to be examined and your doctor will take your medical history before prescribing you Ortho Evra. You should be reexamined at least once a year. Inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed in this brochure. It is important to not miss appointments with your doctor because at these appointments can be determined if you have developed any side effects. Do not give your contraceptives to someone else. Do not use the medicine for other purposes different than those it has been prescribed for. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or if you need more information about Ortho Evra.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.