FAQ - Contraceptive Patch (Ortho Evra)

What is the birth control patch?

The birth control patch is called Ortho Evra. Ortho Evra is a small, thin patch that is placed on the skin. The patch releases small amounts of estrogen and progesterone which is absorbed through the skin. The patch prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, similar to the effect of birth control pills.

How effective is Ortho Evra?

When used correctly, Ortho Evra is 99% effective, just like birth control pills.

What are the side effects of Ortho Evra?

The most common side effects are nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding. These symptoms will usually resolve in the first 1-3 months of use.

Similar to the pill, you should call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sudden abdominal pain
• unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
• severe headache
• blurred vision
• severe leg pain (calf or thigh area)
• weakness in one side of the body

Do I have to change my activities while using the patch?

No. You can bathe, shower, swim, exercise, or any other normal activity while using the Ortho Evra patch.

How do I use the patch?

The first patch is applied the Sunday following the first day of your period. If your period starts on Sunday, you should apply the patch that day. Do not wait until the next Sunday! You should use an alternate method of birth control for the complete first cycle of the patch.

You can apply the patch to your buttocks, upper arm, abdomen, or upper torso. The patch should NOT be applied to the breasts. You should apply the patch directly to the skin and press on for 10 seconds to make sure it is securely in place. You should check the patch daily for placement. The patch is worn for one week, and then removed. A new patch should be immediately placed in a different location. This will decrease the likelihood of skin irritation caused by the patch.

The patch is changed one time per week for three weeks in a row, and then removed for 1 week. This will be the week that your period will start.

What if my patch is loose or falls off?

Most patch-users do not have problems with the adhesiveness of the patch. However, it is possible that your patch could get loose or fall off.

If the patch is partially or completely detached for less than 24 hours, you should try to re-attach the patch. Do NOT attempt to re-attach the patch using any kind of tape or alternate adhesive. If it is unable to be re-attached, you should place a new patch in the same place. Your patch changing schedule should remain the same as if the patch was never replaced. There is no need to use alternate birth control in this case.

If the patch has been partially or completely detached for more than 24 hours OR if you are unsure of how long it has been, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You should remove the old patch and re-attach a new one. The patch changing schedule is now altered to the day that you applied a new patch. An alternate method of birth control should be initiated for 4 weeks.

What should I do if I forget to change my patch on my regular change day?

If you forget to change a patch, you should follow the directions below based on where you are in your cycle.

If you are in week 1, you may not be protected from pregnancy, so you should use an alternate method of birth control. You should apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Your patch changing schedule should be adjusted so that you change your patch one week from the application of the forgotten patch.

If you are in week 2 or 3(day 8-15) and if you are up to 48 hours late in changing your patch, apply a new patch immediately. An alternate method of birth control is not necessary. The next patch should be applied on your usual change day.

If you are more than 48 hours late in changing your patch in week 2 or 3, you may not be protected from pregnancy. An alternate method of birth control should be initiated for 4 weeks. A new 4 week cycle should be started by placing a new patch. This will now be considered day 1 again, so you should continue to change the patch each week for 3 weeks in a row. Your patch change day should be adjusted so that you will change your patch one week from the placement of the forgotten patch.

If you are in week 4 (end of the patch cycle)and if you forget to remove your patch for your period week, remove the patch as soon as you remember. The patch change day remains the same.

You should NEVER have more than 7 patch-free days. If this happens, you need to use an alternate method of birth control for 4 weeks.