Ortho Evra - Ethinyl Estradiol/norelgestromin Patch - Topical Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Ortho Evra.
• Ortho Evra
• ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole/nor-el-JESS-troh-min

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, headache, redness or itching at the 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.

Ortho Evra Storage Instructions

• Store the patches in their protective pouches at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C).
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Ortho Evra Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not share this medication 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.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts and report any lumps immediately.
• A manufacturer's fact sheet about this drug should be dispensed with each prescription.
• Read the information carefully and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.

Medicinal Applications

• This combination hormone patch is used to prevent pregnancy.
• It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills.
• The hormones release from the patch slowly over time.
• Using this medication patch does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If the use of this product is interrupted (removed or becomes detached) or if you forget to remove this product at the recommended time, consult your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Usage Instructions

• Review the Patient Information Leaflet.
• Follow all instructions on how to use this medication patch and also the best time (during your menstrual cycle) to start using the patch.
• If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• 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 (for example, 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 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 a patch.
• Doing so may make this medication less effective.
• If the medication 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 (for example, 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), this patch 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.

Read Before Using Ortho Evra (precautions)

• This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions.

Overdose

• Overdose with this product is highly unlikely.
• If overdose is suspected, remove the patch (or patches) and contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• This medicine device may be harmful if swallowed.
• Symptoms of overdose may include.

Warning

• Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems.
• Do not smoke while using this medication.
• 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).