Prescription Required
Description
Ortho Evra is a contraceptive patch that contains a combination of two female hormones called ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin! We carry the brand choice of this medication in 600mcg!
The Ortho Evra patch is used to prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm cell (from the man) and an egg (from the female) meet inside the reproductive system of a female body which occurs during time of sexual intercourse. During menstruation in females, also known as a period (this occurs roughly once a month); an egg is released from the female’s ovaries (called ovulation). During ovulation, the egg will travel into the fallopian tube which leads to the uterus. During this time, if a sperm cell reaches the egg, it will then become fertilized and the process of pregnancy begins.
The Ortho Evra patch is effective in preventing pregnancy because the female hormones (ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) are able to prevent the release of an egg from an ovary, otherwise known as ovulation (an essential part of becoming pregnant). These hormones are also capable of changing the state of cervical mucus and uterine lining to a thicker and stickier substance; doing this makes it harder for sperm to travel to the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus (another essential part in becoming pregnant).
Directions
Directions
Follow only the directions given to you by your doctor. They can often times be found on your prescription label. The patch is most commonly worn for one full week at a time. Apply the patch to a clean area of skin; you may place the patch on the outside of your upper arm, your stomach, your buttocks, or your upper back. Avoid placing the patch on broken, damaged, irritated skin, or skin that will be covered by tight clothing (like a waistband). Store this medication in room temperature away from moisture and heat.
When to apply the patch
You should apply the patch on the first day of your menstrual cycle (period). Alternatively, you may apply the patch on the first Sunday after your period begins.
Remove the patch and apply a new one on the same day of each week for 3 weeks in a row. After week 3; discard of the patch and wait 1 full week before applying another patch and ensure you wait no longer than 1 week (7 days).
Applying the patch
Place the patch on your skin and firmly press down for 10 seconds. Ensure the edges stick well.
Cautions
Do not use Ortho Evra (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin)
This drug should not be used by those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, a blood-clotting disorder, diabetic problems with your eyes or kidneys, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, or if you have ever had breast or uterine cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.
This medication should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or had a baby within the last 4 weeks.
Do not use this medication if you are breast feeding a baby; this drug passed into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Before using Ortho Evra, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, more importantly, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of depression, gallbladder disease, diabetes, or a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
Risks
Your risk of developing blood clots, stroke, or heart attack is increased during the time of treatment with Ortho Evra. This risk is increased even more in those who are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. The risk is highest in the first year of treatment. The risk is significantly increased if you smoke.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Ortho Evra (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin) may include:
nausea, stomach pain; breast tenderness or swelling; headache, anxiety, mood changes; skin irritation, redness, itching, or swelling where the patch was worn; menstrual cramps; or irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Ortho Evra (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin) may include:
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; changes in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches; or a breast lump.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
a blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
a heart attack: chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
liver problems: loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
increased blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
depression: sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.
FAQs
What other medications may interact with Ortho Evra (ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin)?
Other medications that interact include antifungal medicine, cholesterol-lowering medicine, HIV or AIDS medicine, and vitamin C. Some examples include acetaminophen, ascorbic acid, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, atazanavir, etravirine, and indinavir.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions.
What should I avoid while using this medication?
It is recommended you avoid grapefruit products while using this medication. Grapefruit products may cause unwanted side effects of Ortho Evra to occur.
What is the average dose for an adult wanting to prevent pregnancy?
The average dose for an adult female wanting to prevent pregnancy: apply 1 patch on the same day, every week, for 21 days (3 weeks). During week 4, no patch is used. After week 4, you may start a new patch and begin week 1 again.
Can I drink alcohol while using this product?
There is only a minor drug interaction between ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin and alcohol. You should follow any directions your doctor has given you in regards to food and drink limitations while using this patch.
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