Ortho Evra is the first birth control patch approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. It is easy to use, safe and effective birth control alternative for women. When taken as directed by your doctor, it could be almost a hundred percent effective. It is small, thin and smooth that you can comfortably wear it under your clothes.

Ortho Evra Directions

 

Ortho Evra is used by following the instructions in the information leaflet. You may also learned from this leaflet when is the best time to start using the patch which is during your menstrual period. When you open the Ortho Evra pack, apply one patch to a dry, clean area in the buttock, abdomen, and upper outer arm or in your upper body exactly as it is directed by your doctor. Wear the Ortho Evra patch for a period of 7 days. It should not be applied on the breasts, on irritated skin; areas where there is cut, and it should not be applied over other topical products such as make up, creams, lotions and powders. After a period of 7 days, the patch must be replaced with a new one. The process must be repeated within a period of three weeks.

After three weeks of wearing a patch, you will not wear a patch for a week. Usually, your menstrual cycle starts during this week. If you will not have your menstrual period this time, you will need to inform your doctor. After this week, you will have to start a new patch cycle regardless if there is still some bleeding; that is, you still have your period. Remember that you only have one week of not wearing a patch. If you will not wear a patch longer than that period, it will make the product less effective.

If it Ortho Evra is accidentally removed or has been detached, a new patch must be applied. If it has been detached for more than 24 hours and you do not know how this happens, you will need to use other forms of birth control for a week and then continue again the same cycle. After detaching each patch, meaning after each use, fold it into half and let it stick to itself and throw it in the trash can. Ortho Evra may not work on women who weigh more than 198 pounds or 90 kg. It is advised that you let your doctor know of your current weight so he can suggest the most suitable birth control for you.

 

Ortho Evra Side Effects

 

1. Known side effects of Ortho Evra include nausea, headache, itchiness or redness at areas where patches were applied, dizziness, breast tenderness, vaginal discomfort or irritation, as well as stomach cramping or bloating. Other side effects include melasma or dark patches on the skin, change in your appetite, weight gain or loss, and if you suddenly encounter problem when wearing your contact lenses. When there is unusual vaginal discharge, prolonged bleeding or when bleeding has completely stopped, swelling, severe headache and mood swings, you should also inform your doctor right away. More serious side effects of Ortho Evra but they are unlikely to occur include pain in the groin area or lower legs, difficulty in breathing, rashes, chest pains, stomach pains, and problem with vision. Very serious side effects include yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, numbness in the arms and legs, and lumps in the breast. For these effects, you must also immediately notify your doctor.

 

Ortho Evra Precautions

 

Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before beginning Ortho Evra, particularly if you are taking medicine for seizures, HIV protease inhibitors, antibiotics, St. John's War, cyclosporine, azole antifungals, aaspirin, cofibric acid, modafinil, troglitazgone. This drug can affect the results of some blood test such as glucose, thyroid tests, or tests regarding clotting factors. If you need lab work done while taking Ortho Evra, let your doctor and lab technician know that you are taking this drug. Do not start or stop this medication without first consulting with your doctor.

 

Drug Interactions with Ortho Evra

 

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 antifungal (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), rifampin, St John's wart, 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 Ortho Evra. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

 

Ortho Evra Notes

 

Do not share Ortho Evra with others. Maintain regular doctor's appointments while using Ortho Evra, including yearly physical exams to monitor blood pressure, breast health, pelvic exams, and PAP smears.