Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Should Be Replaced With A New One Every Week

Ortho Evra General Information

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin

Brand Name: Ortho Evra

Contraceptives are available in the form of skin patch and Ortho Evra is a popular brand among them. It works by combining the effects of estrogen and progestin.

Ortho Evra Uses

It prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. Fertility is highly dependent on the regular fluctuations of these two hormones. The changes caused in the uterine lining and in the cervical mucus try to prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus apart from making it difficult for a zygote to get attached to the wall of the uterus.

How Take Ortho Evra

One should not use patches for a longer period of time and there is also no need to wear more skin patches. The patch is to be worn on the first day of the period or on the first Sunday after period has begun. The patch should be placed on the skin and it should be pressed firmly for 10 seconds. One has to make sure that the edges have stick well onto the skin. The patch has to remain in this place for a full week. The patch can be applied in dry areas of the buttocks, on stomach, on the outside of the upper arm and on the upper back. Broken or irritated areas should be avoided and the patch should not be applied in areas which frequently get rubbed by tight clothing. Each week, a new patch is to be used for a period of three weeks. After these three weeks, the patch should be removed and a time interval of 7 days is to be allowed before applying a new patch for the next three weeks. In these 7 days, the period is expected to begin for that month.

Ortho Evra Warnings

One might have to use additional birth control methods like spermicide and condoms at the beginning. During the first three months, one might experience breakthrough bleeding. Ortho Evra might be discontinued for a short term if an individual has to undergo certain medical tests or surgery. Women who are smokers and above 35 years of age, stand at a greater risk of heart attack, blood clots and stroke caused by the use of this medication. Women with a history of hormone related cancer like uterine and breast cancer, severe migraine headaches, abnormal vaginal bleeding, circulation problems, a heart valve disorder, stroke and severe blood pressure might not be considered suitable to use this medication. Certain other medical conditions like gall bladder problems, kidney disease, fibrocystic breast diseases, breast lumps and nodules, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure should be reported to the doctor for a dose adjustment.

Ortho Evra Missed Dose

One cannot afford to miss the weekly schedule of patch application. Missing this schedule increases the probability of becoming pregnant.

Ortho Evra Side Effects

Like other contraceptives, Ortho Evra involves side effects like yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, formation of breast lumps, signs of depression, chest pain, sudden numbness in one part of the body, loss of appetite and problems in vision, sweating, confusion, problems with vision, speech and balance and general ill-feeling. Many users have complained about vaginal irritation and discharge, appearance of freckles in facial skin, breast pain and swelling, changes in menstrual periods, weight changes, increased growth of hair, nervousness, bloating, tired feeling and loss of interest in sex.

Ortho Evra Storage

The patch can be kept at room temperature, but it should be kept away from moisture and heat. Each patch should be allowed to remain in the foil pouch till it is time for use.

Ortho Evra Overdose

Ortho Evra is associated with overdose symptoms like nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding.

Ortho Evra More Information

There are some drugs which interact with Ortho Evra, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the medication. These are theophylline, phenylbutazone, St. John’s Wort, a barbiturate, cyclosporine, prednisolone, seizure medications, acetaminophen, antibiotics like amoxicillin and tetracycline and HIV/ AIDS medications. Lactating mothers should not use this patch, which slows down the rate of milk production. Women who have recently given birth to a baby should avoid using this patch for at least 4 weeks