Ortho Evra Patch

What is the Birth Control Patch?

The Ortho Evra patch is a weekly form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. The Patch is placed on your skin and stays in place through a sticky film on the Patch which contains the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. When the patch is placed on the skin, the hormones are steadily absorbed into the body.

The hormones in the patch prevent pregnancy in several different ways. The hormones move through your bloodstream and prevent ovulation (release of eggs from the ovaries). In addition, the hormones in the Ortho Patch cause a thickening of the mucus on the cervix and also change the lining of the uterus. It is harder for sperm to enter the uterus when the mucus is thickened. The change in the lining of the uterus helps prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

How is the patch used?

The patch is placed on a dry, clean, area of the skin on the abdomen, upper outer arm, upper body, or buttock. The patch must be located in an area where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. The Ortho Evra patch is worn on your skin for one week. Do not put it on skin that is irritated, red, cut, or on your breasts. Also, the patch should not be applied over makeup, lotions, creams, or other skin products because it may not stick as well. Skin care products may also inhibit the absorption of the hormones into the skin.

You should not smoke while using the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch especially if you are over 35 years old. Smoking increases the risk of serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, and blood clots.

Benefits of the Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch

• The birth control patch is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If you do not use the patches according to the directions your chance of getting pregnant increases.
• Periods become regular and usually lighter. The severity of menstrual cramps lessen.
• You do not have to remember to take a pill for birth control on a daily basis.

Disadvantages of the Ortho Patch

• skin irriation where the patch is applied
• nauseau or vomiting
• irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• mood swings
• weight gain
• swelling of your hands or ankles
• headaches
• trouble sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or depression
• vision problems
• vaginal infection
• severe pain, swelling, or abdominal tenderness