Ortho Evra Patch

Millions of women have embraced the Ortho-Evra birth control patch with great enthusiasm because it fits into their active lifestyles. In fact, 95% of women are satisfied with ORTHO EVRA as a discreet form of birth control. Women also find Ortho-Evra convenient and easy to use. In a clinical study, women who used the Patch were more likely to use it consistently and properly than women who took birth control pills.

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. Ortho-Evra? is the first weekly form of birth control. You put on a new patch once a week, for 3 consecutive weeks each month. Then go "patch-free" the fourth week when you get your period.

Item	Count	Type	Retail	Price
Ortho Evra Patch	3	patches	$99.00	$82.00
Ortho Evra Patch	9	patches	$229.00	$189.00
Ortho Evra Patch	18	patches	$459.00	$378.00

Ortho Evra Patch Medical Information

Ortho Evra Patch Chemical Name:

NORELGESTROMIN (nor-el-JES-troe-min) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ol)

Generic Name:

ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin

Brand Names:

Ortho Evra

Drug Manufacturer:

McNeil Pharmaceuticals

WARNING:
Smoking cigarettes while using Mircette increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using Mircette. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).

Ortho Evra Patch Chemical Name:

NORELGESTROMIN (nor-el-JES-troe-min) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ol)

Common uses of Ortho Evra Patch

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 Ortho Evra Patch

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.

Using Ortho Evra Patch

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 using Ortho Evra Patch

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.

Ortho Evra Patch 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.

If you take too much Ortho Evra Patch

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.