Ortho-Evra is a form of estrogen and norelgestromin is a form of progesterone. These are both female hormones involved in conception. The Ortho-Evra and norelgestromin topical patch releases estrogen and progesterone that are absorbed directly through the skin.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Patches
Chemical Name: NORELGESTROMIN (nor-el-JES-troe-min) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il
es-tra-DYE-ol)
Common uses
Ortho Evra is an estrogen and progestin combination used to prevent
pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using Ortho Evra increases your
chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using Ortho Evra. The risk
of heart problems increases with age (women greater than 35 years of age) and
with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater). Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with Ortho Evra. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking 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. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including high blood lipid levels (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia),
depression, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems, thyroid problems, allergies,
or breast-feeding. DO NOT USE Ortho Evra if you have any of the following conditions:
pregnancy, 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,
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), undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding,
heavy tobacco use (if 35 years old or greater). Contact your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions or concerns about taking Ortho Evra.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Ortho Evra provided by your doctor.
Ortho Evra COMES with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Ortho Evra.
Remove patch from foil and peel off liner. Apply to area of clean, dry skin on
the abdomen, buttocks, upper outer arm, or upper torso. Do not apply at the waistline,
breast, or other place where it would be rubbed by tight clothing. Press firmly
in place for 10 seconds. The patch is worn for 7 days. DO NOT APPLY Ortho Evra
to skin that is irritated or broken or over other topical products such as make-up,
creams, lotions, or powders. DO NOT APPLY Ortho Evra TO THE SAME SKIN SITE.
Use a different site each week. After 7 days, remove the old patch and apply a
new patch. Repeat this weekly cycle for 3 weeks (3 patches over 3 weeks equal
1 cycle). After the 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 patch. If your period does not begin during this week,
consult your doctor. After your fourth 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 a patch. Doing so may make Ortho Evra less effective.
IF YOUR PATCH ACCIDENTALLY FALLS OFF, dry your skin and reapply it. If you weigh
more than 198 pounds (90 kg), this patch may not work as well for you. Be sure
your doctor knows your current weight and ask your doctor about which form of
birth control may be best for you. STORE Ortho Evra at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and light. DO NOT REFRIGERATE
or freeze. AFTER YOU REMOVE THE USED PATCH, fold the sticky side together. Discard
out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU FORGET TO CHANGE THE PATCH AS SCHEDULED
follow the directions in the patient information leaflet or consult your doctor
or pharmacist for a new schedule.
Cautions
WHILE USING Ortho Evra, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE absence of menstrual
periods. If you experience irregular menstrual periods, contact your doctor. YOU
SHOULD perform regular self-examinations of your breasts. If you have questions
about how to do this, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Ortho Evra. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY
wearing contact lenses after you begin using Ortho Evra, check with your doctor.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ortho Evra MAY CAUSE dark skin patches
on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop,
use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning
booths. Some Laboratory test results (e.g., thyroid function, liver function)
may be affected by Ortho Evra. SMOKING WHILE USING Ortho Evra may increase
your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other
diseases of the heart and blood vessels. USE OF Ortho Evra WILL NOT PREVENT
HIV or the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DO NOT USE Ortho Evra if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact
your doctor immediately.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Ortho Evra include nausea,
vomiting, headache, redness or itching at the patch application site, dizziness,
breast tenderness, vaginal discomfort or irritation, stomach cramping, or bloating.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience dark patches on the skin (melasma), change
in appetite, weight changes (gain or loss), problems wearing contact lenses, unusual
vaginal discharge, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding,
prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding), swelling, trouble sleeping, or mental
or mood changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience pain in the
groin or lower legs, trouble breathing, rash, chest pain, severe headache, stomach
pain, vision or eye problems, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, one-sided weakness,
numbness in the arms or legs, lumps in the breast. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
severe nausea, vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding, or irregular menstrual periods.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE Ortho Evra with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE Ortho Evra for other health conditions. KEEP Ortho Evra out of
the reach of children. IF USING Ortho Evra FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
