The Patch

• What is the patch?
• How is the patch different than birth control pills?
• Is the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch still safe for me to use?
• Where can I get more information on Ortho Evra?
• How is it used?
• How do I start the patch?
• Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
• Does it protect against pregnancy?
• What are the chances of getting pregnant while using the patch?
• Advantages to using the patch?
• Disadvantages to using the patch?

What is the patch?

The patch is a skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream to prevent ovulation. This method is helpful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a daily birth control pill, but can remember to replace the patch weekly.


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How is the patch different than birth control pills?

Most birth control pills and the Ortho Evra patch contain two different hormones that work together to help prevent pregnancy. The hormones from the patch are applied to the skin and are then absorbed into the blood stream. The Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch delivers more of the estrogen hormone into your body than you would get from a typical birth control pill.

The manufacturer states: "You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen."

In women with certain health problems, it may be safer to use another form of birth control. Please speak with your doctor before making any change in your birth control. If you have already stopped using the patch, be sure to use a backup method of birth control.
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Is the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch still safe for me to use?

• Yes, the patch is still safe for use and has not been recalled or taken off the market. The increased amount of estrogen is not an overdose but may cause more side effects than a low-dose birth control pill.
  
• The increased dose of estrogen from the patch is associated with blood clots in the deep veins of the body -- particularly concerning are blood clots in the legs and lungs. Estrogen, in general, can thicken the blood. Women who have a history of previous deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, known genetic clotting disorders or a family history of these (such as Factor V Leiden, protein S or C deficiency) should not take this medication.
  
  Note: This does not mean that if you have heavy periods with clots that this is your problem. This warning refers to people with known blood disorders. Also, women with a history of blood vessel disease such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure should not take this medication. Women who are using the patch just after pregnancy, may also be at risk.
  
  
• If you are a generally healthy young women, this medication is usually very safe and effective. You and your physician should discuss the risk of pregnancy with risk of blood clots. If you have a problem remembering to take a pill, your risk of pregnancy may outweigh the risk of blood clots.

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Where can I get more information on Ortho Evra?

The best person to answer your questions is your health care provider.
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How is it used?

A new patch is applied once a week, on the same day of the week, for three weeks. On the fourth week, a placebo patch (one not containing the hormone) is applied to allow for a period to occur at that time. (This is similar to taking the placebo pills during the fourth week in birth control pills).

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How do I start the patch?

The start date is not critical, as long as you are not pregnant when you first place it on your body. Most women place the first patch on the first Sunday after their period begins. If you bleed on Saturday, place the patch on Sunday. If you bleed on Monday, place the first patch on the following Sunday.

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Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No.
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Does it protect against pregnancy?

Yes.
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What are the chances of getting pregnant while using the patch?

• Typical use: 1 percent


• Perfect use: 1 percent

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Advantages to using the patch?

• The patch serves as a visible reminder that you are using your birth control. (If a patch falls off -- you know to put another one on. It also tends to be a good reminder to change the patch at the right time.)
• It provides a weekly birth control method that does not require daily maintenance, like the pill, or require insertion before intercourse, like a diaphragm or cervical cap.

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Disadvantages to using the patch?

The risks associated with using the patch are similar to the risks associated with the birth control pill. Other risks and side effects include:

• Risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs.
  
• Less effective in women weighing more than 198 pounds


• Irregular bleeding


• Weight gain


• Breast tenderness


• Less protection than for birth control pills against ectopic pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs while using the patch (an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Such pregnancies carry risks to the mother and must be terminated properly.)

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