How does “EVRA PATCHES” work?

ُEVRA PATCHES AS CONTRACEPTIVE:

How Does it Work?

The Patch is worn on the body, preventing pregnancy by delivering continuous levels of hormones (progestin and estrogen, respectively) into the bloodstream through the skin. Following this process, the Patch works the same way that pills do: by preventing ovulation. This means that the ovary does not release an egg to be fertilized. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and it changes the endometrium, which is the mucus membrane that lines the uterus, to reduce the chance of implantation..

It is important to know that you will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA® than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen may increase the risk of side effects. The risk of venous thromboembolic events (blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs) may be increased with ORTHO EVRA® use compared with use of birth control pills. Studies examined the risk of these serious blood clots in women who used either ORTHO EVRA® or birth control pills containing one of two progestins (levonorgestrel or norgestimate) and 30-35 micrograms of estrogen. Results of these studies ranged from an approximate doubling of risk of serious blood clots to no increase in risk in women using ORTHO EVRA® compared with women using birth control pills.

3 On, 1 Off

To maximize effectiveness, it is essential to use the Patch correctly and consistently, and with ORTHO EVRA® this is pretty simple. In a clinical study, women who used the Patch were actually more likely to use it consistently and correctly than women who took birth control pills.

You put on a new Patch once a week for 3 weeks in a row each month. The fourth week, when you have your period, you go patch-free.

If you and your healthcare professional decide the Patch is right for you, you will discuss when to start wearing the Patch. When choosing your start date, you have the option of beginning use on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period starts. Then all you have to do is change your contraceptive patch on the same day each week.

It is important when using the Patch to change where you stick it on your body each week to avoid skin irritation.