Health Topics
Ortho Evra (patch)
Online Birth Control Education
The Ortho Evra Patch is a combined estrogen/progestin adhesive patch worn on the skin. The patch is placed in one of four locations-buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper outer arm once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a 7-day patch free week. The combination of hormones works by keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and less often by thickening the cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm entering the uterus.
Advantages
- Regular, lighter and shorter periods
- Easy to use
- Does not interfere with having sex
- Protection from ovarian cysts, cancer of the ovaries, cancer of the uterus
Disadvantages
- Difficult to conceal patch
- Spotting between periods
- Need to change patch once a week
- Offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections
- Lower effectiveness in women weighing 198 lbs or more
Side Effects
- Bleeding between periods
- Breast tenderness reported more often than for the pill
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
- Skin irritation at the site of the patch
- Reversible darkening of the skin under the patch placement
More serious side effects
- Blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart or brain
- Benign liver tumors
- Heart attack and stroke
Cigarette Smoking and the Patch
- Cigarette smoking incresases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from the use of combination birth control pills. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in smokers over 35 years of age.
Warning Signs of the Patch
The patch has been studied extensively and is very safe. However, very rarely the patch can lead to serious problems. The following are the warning signals to watch out for while using the patch.
- Abdominal Pain (severe)
- Chest Pain (severe), cough, shortness of breath
- Headache (severe) with blurred vision, weakness, difficulty speaking
- Eye problems-vision loss or blurring
- Leg Pain (severe)
If you have one of these symptoms, it may or may not be related to the patch. It is important to check with your health care provider as soon as possible.
Availability & Efficacy
- Available at Student Health Services by prescription
- Failure rate: Typical use: 8%, Perfect use: 0.3%
Recommended Resources
- Ortho Evra FAQS (manufacturer's site)
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last reviewed: Spring 2005