Ortho Evra General Information

Ortho Evra is a Hormonal contraceptive, and comes in the form of a skin patch and is used as a birth control measure. It primarily works to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation by secreting hormones through the skin into the blood stream. It alters the cervical mucus and does not allow the sperm to enter the uterus. 

Ortho Evra Uses

Ortho Evra is an effective method of birth control by effecting the menstrual cycles and decreases the risk of a pregnancy. It is useful for those women who fail to remember taking a birth control pill every day, as this patch needs to be applied only once a week.

How Take Ortho Evra

First Application:

• Apply Ortho Evra either on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period starts.
• Apply One patch every seven days for three weeks in a row
• Take off the old patch each time.

Second application:

• After the third week, the last patch has to be removed
• Take a seven-day break and do not apply any patches.
• In case you continue to have your period, start a new Ortho Evra cycle.
Note: Always have a back-up contraception option (e.g. Condoms)

Ortho Evra Warnings

Consult your physician before applying this patch. Inform the doctor, in case you have:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart related diseases
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

It is also important to apprise about an upcoming surgery or in case, you are pregnant or are breastfeeding and if one is under prescribed medications.

Ortho Evra Missed Dose

First Missed application:

• Apply the patch as soon as possible
• Use a backup method of contraception (e.g. condoms) for seven days.

Missed change in the second or third week of the menstrual cycle:

• Change the patch as soon as remembered.
• Use backup contraception for seven days.

Missed taking off the last patch of a cycle:

• Simply remove the patch as soon as you remember.
• Start the next cycle as usual

Ortho Evra Side Effects

The most common side effects of this patch are - tenderness or swelling of the breasts, Headaches, Skin reactions on the patch spot, Nausea, common cold, Menstrual cramps, abdominal pain.

Ortho Evra Storage Advice

It is advisable to store the patches at room temperature (and not freezers). Always keep the patches in the protective pouches as provided.

Ortho Evra Overdose

An overdose is highly unlikely as this is not an oral pill, however, known cases of an overdose have been caused due to non-removal of patch as advised and the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

Ortho Evra More Information

Ortho Evra comes in a pack with three patches. You can choose to wear a patch anywhere on your skin. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception.
Taking Ortho Evra with some other medicines may increase risk of pregnancy.
Always consult a physician.