Norelgestromin and Ethinyl Estradiol Transdermal System

Ortho Evra
Other name(s): Contraceptive patch Logo

Brand name(s): Ortho Evra
Other name(s): Contraceptive patch

How should this medicine be used?

Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system comes as a patch to apply to the skin. One patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use the contraceptive patch exactly as directed.

If you are using the contraceptive patch for the first time, wait for the first day of your menstrual period to apply the first patch. You may choose to start applying the patch on the first Sunday after your period begins. If you begin applying the patch after Day 1 of the menstrual cycle, you must use a backup method of birth control (such as a condom and/or a spermicide) for the first 7 days of the first cycle.

A new patch should always be applied on the same day of the week (the Patch Change Day). Apply a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. During Week 4, do not apply a patch, and expect to begin your menstrual period. On the day after Week 4 ends, apply a new patch to start a new 4-week cycle. You should not go more than 7 days without a patch.

Apply the contraceptive patch to a clean, dry, intact, healthy area of skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso, in a place where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not place the contraceptive patch on the breasts or on skin that is red, irritated, or cut. Do not apply makeup, creams, lotions, powders, or other topical products to the skin area where the contraceptive patch is placed. Each new patch should be applied to a new spot on the skin to help avoid irritation.

To apply the contraceptive patch, follow these steps:

• Open the foil pouch by tearing it along the edge.
• Peel apart the foil pouch and open it flat.
• Grasp a corner of the patch firmly and gently remove the patch from the pouch.
• Use your fingernail to lift one corner of the patch and peel the patch with the plastic liner off the foil liner. Sometimes patches can stick to the inside of the pouch; be careful not to remove the clear liner as you remove the patch.
• Peel away half of the clear protective liner. Avoid touching the sticky surface of the patch.
• Apply the sticky surface of the patch to the skin and remove the other half of the plastic liner. Press down firmly on the patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the edges stick well.

Check your patch every day to make sure it is sticking. If the patch becomes partially or completely detached for less than one day, try to reapply it in the same place or replace it with a new patch immediately. Your Patch Change Day will stay the same. If the patch has become partially or completely detached for more than one day, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You must start a new cycle by applying a new patch immediately; the day that you apply the new patch becomes your new Patch Change Day. Use backup birth control for the first week of the new cycle.

Last Revised: 04/01/2003

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