Ortho Evra

Ortho Evra Directions

Review the Patient Information Leaflet. Follow all instructions on how to use the Ortho Evra 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 Ortho Evra 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 Ortho Evra 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 Ortho Evra less effective.

If the Ortho Evra 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 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.

Ortho Evra Precautions

Ortho Evra 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 Ortho Evra.