Use any of the links above to order
the Ortho Evra patch birth control for women. Before you buy the
Ortho Evra Patch online, make sure to read all of the products
description below. An online prescription is available through
a free consultation form.
Ortho Evra Patch Information
Here is some general information
about the Ortho Evra Patch.
Important Note
The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
Warning
Smoking cigarettes while using
this medication increases your chance of having heart problems.
Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems
increases with age (women greater than 35 years of age) and with
frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).
Uses
This combination hormone patch
is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to
those in birth control pills. The hormones release from the patch
slowly over time. Using this medication patch does not protect
you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs).
How to Use
Review the Patient Information
Leaflet. Follow all instructions on how to use this medication
patch and also the best time (during your menstrual cycle) to
start using the patch. If any of the information is unclear, consult
your doctor or pharmacist. Open the patch container and apply
one patch to an area of clean, dry skin on the buttock, abdomen,
upper outer arm, or upper body (torso) exactly as directed by
your doctor. The patch is worn for 7 days. Do not apply the patch
to the breast(s), the area around the breast(s); to red, cut,
or irritated skin; or over other topical products (e.g., make-up,
creams, lotions, powders). After 7 days, remove the old patch
and apply a new patch. Repeat this weekly cycle for 3 weeks (3
patches equal 1 cycle). After your third patch is removed, you
will have one week without using the patch. Your menstrual cycle
(period) usually should start during the week when you do not
use the patch. If your menstrual cycle (period) does not begin
during this week, consult your doctor. After your 4th week, begin
a new patch cycle, even if you still are experiencing some bleeding
(still having your period). Do not go longer than 7 days without
a patch. Doing so may make this medication less effective. If
the medication patch accidentally comes off, is removed, or if
it becomes detached, apply a new patch. If it is detached or comes
off for longer than 24 hours, or if you are not sure how long
the patch has been detached or removed, use additional forms of
birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) for at least 7 days
and continue with the same cycle. After removing each patch, fold
the patch in half so it sticks to itself and discard it in a trash
container. Do not discard or flush the patches down a toilet.
If you weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kg), this patch may not
work as well for you. Make sure your doctor knows your current
weight and ask about which form of birth control is best for you.
If any of this information is unclear, consult the Patient Information
Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, headache, redness
or itching at the patch application site, dizziness, breast tenderness,
vaginal discomfort/irritation, or stomach cramping/bloating may
occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects
occur: dark patches on the skin (melasma), change in appetite,
weight changes (gain or loss), problem wearing contact lenses.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects
occur: unusual vaginal discharge, changes in vaginal bleeding
(e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete
stoppage of bleeding), swelling, severe headache, mental/mood
changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely
but serious side effects occur: pain in the groin or lower legs,
trouble breathing, rash, chest pain, stomach pain, vision or eye
problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly
unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes or
skin, dark urine, one-sided weakness, numbness in the arms/legs,
lumps in the breast. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
This medication is not recommended
for use if you have the following medical conditions: blood circulation
problems (e.g., history of blood clots in the legs or groin),
history of heart disease or stroke, severe high blood pressure,
diabetes (especially affecting the circulation), severe headaches,
recent major surgery, long periods of sitting or lying down (e.g.,
immobility such as being bedridden), liver problems, history of
yellowing eyes and skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using
birth control pills, cancer (especially endometrial or breast
cancer), undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, currently pregnant,
heavy tobacco use (if 35 years old or greater). Tell your doctor
your medical history, especially of: high cholesterol or triglyceride
(fat) levels, depression, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems,
thyroid problems, any allergies. Do not smoke cigarettes. Hormonal
birth control (e.g., pills, injections, devices) products combined
with smoking cigarettes significantly increase your risk for strokes,
blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks; especially
in women older than 35 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
or consult the patient information leaflet that comes with this
product for more details. Before having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor(s) that you are using this product. The
drugs in this patch may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin
(melasma) and sunlight may intensify this effect. If this occurs,
avoid prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen, and wear protective
clothing when outdoors. If you are near-sighted or wear contact
lenses, you may develop vision problems or may have problems wearing
your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems
occur. This medication device must not be used in pregnancy. If
you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. The medication from this patch passes into
breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: anti-seizure
medicine (e.g., carbamazepine, felbamate, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
topiramate), certain antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, erythromycin),
HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), phenylbutazone,
griseofulvin, atorvastatin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole,
ketoconazole), rifampin, St John's wort, cyclosporine, temazepam,
prednisolone, morphine, theophylline, ascorbic acid (vitamin C),
acetaminophen, aspirin, clofibric acid, modafinil, troglitazone.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g.,
blood tests such as glucose, clotting factors, or thyroid). Make
sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this product.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Overdose
Overdose with this product is
highly unlikely. If overdose is suspected, remove the patch (or
patches) and contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. This medicine device may be harmful if swallowed.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, unusual
vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.
Notes
Do not share this medication patch
with others. Keep all appointments with your doctor and when having
laboratory tests performed. You should have a complete physical
exam including blood pressure, breast exams, pelvic exams, and
PAP smears at least once a year.
