Ortho Evra

Ortho Evra is a contraceptive skin patch. It contains estrogen and progestin, the same hormones found in many birth control pills. Fertility depends on regular fluctuations in the levels of these hormones. Contraceptives such as Ortho Evra reduce fertility by eliminating the fluctuations. Once applied to the skin, the Ortho Evra patch releases a steady supply of estrogen and progestin through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Buy Ortho Evra (Brand)
Ortho Evra 1 month supply - 3 Patches	$106.00
Ortho Evra 2 months supply - 6 Patches	No stock

How Taken:
You should use three separate Ortho Evra patches during each 4-week menstrual cycle. Wear one patch a week for the first 3 weeks, and then spend the fourth week patch-free. Your menstrual period should start during the fourth week. Every new patch should be applied on the same day of the week; this will be your 'Patch Change Day'. Clean and dry the area of skin where the patch will be applied. The patch can be placed on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it won't be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on the breasts. To avoid skin irritation, apply each new patch to a different place on the skin. Do not apply the patches to skin that are red, irritated or cut. Do not use creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin where you will put a patch or near a patch your are wearing. It may cause the patch to become loose. Only one patch should be worn at a time. If a patch causes irritation, it can be removed and a new patch may be applied to a new location until the next 'Patch Change Day'. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding when to start using Ortho Evra and whether back-up contraception is needed temporarily.

Warnings Precautions:
Ortho Evra may be less effective in women weighing more than 198 lbs. (90 kg). Do not use Ortho Evra without first talking to your doctor if you weigh more than 198 lbs. (90 kg). Hormonal contraceptives, including Ortho Evra, should be used with caution if you are over 40 years old; smoke tobacco; have liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or epilepsy; or tend to be seriously overweight. Caution is also advised if you have blood circulation problems or have had a heart attack or stroke in the past. Be cautious, too, if you have problems with depression, migraine or other headaches, irregular menstrual periods, or visual disturbances. Ortho Evra is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Ortho Evra is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. If you are pregnant do not use Ortho Evra. Do not use Ortho Evra without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ortho Evra may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition.

Missed Dose:
You can become pregnant if you forget to apply your patch. You must use back-up contraception for one week. Apply the first patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember. You now have a new Patch Change Day and new Day 1. -in the middle of your patch cycle, Week two or week three: If you forget to change your patch for one or two days, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Apply your next patch on your normal Patch Change Day. No back-up contraception is needed. Week two or week three: If you forget to change your patch for more than two days, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT start a new four week cycle as soon as you remember by putting on a new patch. You now have a different Patch Change Day and a new Day 1. You must use back-up contraception for the first week of your new cycle. -at the end of your patch cycle, Week four: If you forget to remove your patch, take it off as soon as you remember. Start your next cycle on your normal Patch Change Day the day after Day 28. No back-up contraception is needed. -at the start of your next patch cycle, Day 1 (week one): If you forget to apply your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT. Apply the first patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember. You now have a new Patch Change Day and new Day. You must use back-up contraception for the first week of your new cycle. Check the Ortho Evra patient information for instructions.

Side Effects:
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Ortho Evra. Some common side effects with combination hormonal contraceptives like Ortho Evra are: breast tenderness and enlargement, headache, nausea, menstrual changes, abdominal cramps and bloating, vaginal discharge.

Storage:
Keep patches in their protective pouches until you're ready to wear them. Store at room temperature. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.Used patches still contain some active hormones. Fold each patch so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away. Do not flush the used patch down the toilet.

Overdose:
While any medication taken in excess can cause unwanted effects, the risk associated with Ortho Evra is minimal because the patch is designed to release a small amount of hormones at a slow, steady rate. Furthermore, even when young children have swallowed large amounts of oral hormonal contraceptives, they've suffered no ill effects. Nevertheless, if you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of Ortho Evra overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding in females.

More Information:
Be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of hormonal contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth control. Your health care professional will take a medical and family history before prescribing Ortho Evra and will examine you. You should be reexamined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your health care professional if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. If you want more information about Ortho Evra, ask your doctor.

This entry was filed under Birth Control.