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The
Best Place To Find The Cheapest Ortho-Evra
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Drug name:
Ortho-Evra
Overview
The Patch - Ortho Evra - is a
reversible prescription method of birth control.
Ortho Evra is a thin, beige, plastic patch that
sticks to the skin. A new patch is
placed on the skin of the buttocks, stomach, upper
outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three
out of four weeks. No patch is used in the fourth
week. The Patch releases synthetic
estrogen and progestin to protect against
pregnancy for one month. |
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The combination of hormones works in three
ways. Usually, it keeps the ovaries from releasing an
egg (ovulation). Less often The Ortho Evra Patch
thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from
joining with an egg. Rarely, the medication prevents a
fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
The Ortho Evra Patch works best when it is
changed on the same day of the week for three weeks in a
row. Pregnancy can happen if an error is made in using
the Patch - especially if
• it becomes loose or falls off for
more than 24 hours
• the same Ortho Evra patch is left
on the skin for more than one week
Effectiveness:
The Ortho Evra Patch is a very effective
reversible method of birth control. With typical use,
although no studies have yet been published, it is
assumed that the Patch will be more effective
than the Pill - eight out of every 100 pill users become
pregnant with typical use. Fewer than one woman out of
every 100 women who use the Ortho Evra Patch will become
pregnant with perfect use.
Certain medicines, including the
antibiotic rifampin and certain drugs used to control
seizures, may make the Ortho Evra Patch less effective.
Ask your clinician for advice. Until then, use an
additional method of birth control.
It is very important to remember that the
Ortho Evra Patch does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections. Always use a latex or female
condom with the Patch to reduce the risk of
infection.
How
to use:
Open the 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 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 Ortho Evra 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 an Ortho Evra patch. Doing so may make Ortho
Evra less effective. If the 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 you weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kg), Ortho
Evra may not work as well for you. Make sure your doctor
knows your current weight and ask about which form of
birth control is best for you. If any of this
information is unclear, consult the Patient Information
Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.
Advantages:
The Ortho Evra Patch protects against
pregnancy for one month. And it does not involve taking
a daily pill. Using the Patch is simple,
safe, and convenient. Many women who use the
Patch have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods.
And a woman's ability to become pregnant returns quickly
when use of the Ortho Evra Patch is stopped. The Ortho
Evra Patch does not interfere with having sex, and may
improve a woman's sex life. Some women say they feel
free to be more spontaneous because they do not have to
worry about becoming pregnant. Results of long-term
studies won't be available for some time, but
researchers assume that the non-contraceptive advantages
associated with the Ortho Evra Patch are similar to
those known to be associated with the Pill.
These health benefits may
include some protection against:
•
irregular menstrual cycles
• infection of the fallopian
tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads
to infertility
• ectopic
pregnancy (in the fallopian tubes)
• noncancerous breast growths
• ovarian cysts
• cancer of the ovaries
• cancer of the lining of the
uterus
• troublesome
menstrual cramps
• iron
deficiency anemia that results from heavy menses
• acne
• premenstrual symptoms, as
well as related headaches and depression
• excess body hair
• osteoporosis - loss of bone
mass
• vaginal dryness and painful
intercourse associated with menopause
Side
effects:
Nausea, vomiting, headache, redness or
itching at the Ortho Evra patch application site,
dizziness, breast tenderness, vaginal
discomfort/irritation, or stomach cramping/bloating may
occur. 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), a
problem wearing contact lenses. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these serious side effects occur
while using Ortho Evra: 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.
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 like Ortho Evra
(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 Ortho Evra for more
details. Before having surgery, including dental
surgery, tell the doctor(s) that you are using Ortho
Evra. The drugs in the Ortho Evra patch may cause
blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma) and sunlight
may intensify this effect. If this occurs, avoid
prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen, and wear
protective clothing when outdoors. If you are
near-sighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop
vision problems or may have problems wearing your
contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these
problems occur. Ortho Evra device must not be used in
pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be
pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. The medication
from the patch passes into breast milk and
may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Some women can use the medicine
under close medical supervision if they have:
• a
high risk for heart disease
• high cholesterol or slightly
increased blood pressure
•
certain kinds of migraine headaches
• a seizure disorder that
requires taking anticonvulsant medication
• had or have diabetes - not
associated with vascular conditions
• have gallbladder disease
• a certain cancer of the
nervous system called meningioma
• have a parent or sibling who has
had a heart attack or stroke before age 55
Combined hormone contraception and
breast cancer:
Most experts agree that using combined
Ortho Evra hormone contraception will not increase the
overall risk of developing breast cancer - no matter how
long a woman uses a combined hormone contraceptive or
even if she has a close relative with breast cancer.
Drug interactions:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription medication you may use, especially:
anti-seizure medicine (e.g., carbamazepine, felbamate,
phenobarbital, phenytoin, topiramate), certain
antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, erythromycin), HIV
protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir),
phenylbutazone, griseofulvin, atorvastatin, azole
antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole),
rifampin, St John's wort, cyclosporine, temazepam,
prednisolone, morphine, theophylline, ascorbic acid
(vitamin C), acetaminophen, aspirin, clofibric acid,
modafinil, troglitazone. Ortho Evra can affect the
results of certain lab tests (e.g., blood tests such as
glucose, clotting factors, or thyroid). Make sure
laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Ortho
Evra. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Pregnancy:
There is a very slight chance that you
will become pregnant even if you use Ortho Evra.
However, a missed period does not always mean you are
pregnant, especially if you have used the Patch
correctly. But see your clinician if you miss a second
period. It is unlikely that using Ortho Evra during
early pregnancy will increase the risk of defects in the
fetus. If you want to become pregnant, stop using Ortho
Evra. If you want to plan the timing of your pregnancy,
use another form of birth control until your period
becomes regular. It usually takes about one to three
months for your period to return to the cycle you had
before using the medicine. After childbirth, your
clinician can help you decide when to use Ortho Evra
again. Ortho Evra may reduce the amount and quality of
milk in the first six weeks of breastfeeding. Also, the
milk will contain traces of the Ortho Evra hormones.
Although it is unlikely that these hormones will have
any effect on your child, Ortho Evra is not recommended
for use during breast-feeding.
Overdose:
Overdose with Ortho Evra is highly
unlikely. If overdose is suspected, remove
the patch (or patches) and contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. The Ortho
Evra device may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of
overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, unusual
vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.
Other notes:
Do not share the
Ortho Evra patch with others. Keep all appointments with
your doctor and when having laboratory tests performed.
You should have a complete physical exam including blood
pressure, breast exams, pelvic exams, and PAP smears at
least once a year.
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