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ORTHO EVRA PATCH™
The Patch (Ortho Evra™) is birth control that delivers the female sex hormones estrogen and progestin through a medicated patch applied to the skin. The adhesive patch is applied once a week for three weeks. No patch is used the fourth week, and the woman usually has a menstrual period during this time./p>
How effective is it?
When used exactly as directed, the Patch is 97-99% effective.
How does the Patch work?
The Patch works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from a woman's ovaries). Without release of an egg, fertilization and pregnancy cannot occur.
What are the advantages of the Patch?
The Patch provides excellent protection from pregnancy without any interruption of sexual activity. It also causes lighter, shorter, less painful periods with less premenstrual tension (PMS). The Patch protects you from anemia, pelvic infections, and ovarian and uterine cancer. Unlike some birth control methods, you only need to think about the Patch once a week.
What are the disadvantages and risks of the Patch?
Using the Patch may increase your risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and migraine headaches. The risk of complications increases if you are a smoker and over 35. At any time, your risk of any of these complications is 1/6th the risk of complications with pregnancy. The Patch does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the side effects of the Patch?
Possible side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain/fluid retention, spotting/bleeding between periods, mood changes, and changes in your sex drive. Side effects, if experienced at all, are most frequent during the first few months and usually disappear as your body gets accustomed to the patch.
Who shouldn't use the Patch?
Women who have heart disease, circulatory disease, a clotting disorder, liver disease, or cancer probably should not use the Patch.
If you have or have had a health problem such as migraine headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, severe depression, sickle cell anemia or trait, are planning surgery in the next four weeks, or are a smoker, inform your practitioner. Further evaluation may be necessary to decide if it is safe for you to use the Patch.
 How do I use the Patch?
Place the first patch as directed on the package insert or as directed by your practitioner. Apply 1 patch on the same day of each week for 3 weeks, then leave the patch off for one week. This is when you should have a period. One week after you took the last patch off, begin again by placing a new patch--whether or not you are bleeding. The patch can be applied on your back, your lower abdomen or your upper arm.
What if I forget to change my Patch?
If you forget, change it as soon as you remember. You should use a back-up method of birth control, such as foam and condoms, for the next week to be sure you don't get pregnant.
What if I miss my period?
Occasionally women skip a period while using the Patch. If you have been using your patch exactly as directed and have not been late in changing your patch, it is unlikely that you are pregnant and you should continue using the patch as directed. You may wish to get a pregnancy test two weeks after your period was due to reassure yourself. If you were more than two days late in changing your patch during the past month or two, or if you have pregnancy symptoms, leave your patch on and get a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
How much does the Patch cost?
You'll need a prescription in order to get the Patch. You can get a prescription at Aurora Medical Services, and then the Patch costs typically $15-$50 at drugstores and clinics.
Warning signs: (ACHES)
Call the clinic immediately if you experience:
- (A) severe abdominal pain.
- (C) severe chest pain.
- (H) severe headaches.
- (E) severe extremity (leg/arm) pain.
- (S) changes in sight.
Any of these symptoms can be an early indication of a complication.
Additional Questions:
Questions are always welcome. Feel free to call the clinic about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your birth control method. We are available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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How effective is it?