Evra Patches

How to use Evra Patch

Evra transdermal patches are small, discrete patches that can be placed on the body to prevent pregnancy. Each patch contains synthetic versions of both the female sex hormones, oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (norelgestromin).

You can place the patch onto most areas of the body such as the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper torso, providing the skin is clean and dry. It’s good to ensure the patch won’t get rubbed off by tight clothing.

Each patch is worn for seven days, after which it is then replaced. You will wear Evra patches for three weeks, then take a seven-day break. The Evra patch can be worn in the bath or shower and even continues to work during exercise, including swimming.

How do the Evra Patches work?

The active ingredients in Evra contraceptive patches, ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin, are the same as those that make up the combined contraceptive pill and work in the same way.

The two synthetic hormones work simultaneously to prevent the female body from releasing an egg every month, preventing ovulation. On top of this, they make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus.

Coming off the Evra Patch

You can stop using the Evra patch whenever is convenient for you but you should start using additional contraception when you do this as you will not be protected from pregnancy.

Your normal fertility will return once you stop using your patches but it is quite normal for women, who come off hormonal contraception, to not have regular periods for the first few months.

Sources

• https://www.fpa.org.uk/download/your-guide-to-the-contraceptive-patch/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/contraceptive-patch/?tabname=worries-and-questions
• Evra Transdermal Patch Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...

Evra patch warnings

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging for full details on the warnings and precautions associated with the use of the Evra Patch.

• Do not use an Evra Patch if you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time, if you have ever had a problem with your heart or liver or have had a stroke. You have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure or very high level of fat in the blood or suffer from migraines with aura.
• You should discuss with your doctor before using an Evra Patch if you have inflammatory bowel disease, SLE, HUS, sickle cell anaemia, inflamed veins or varicose veins or have a family history of high levels of fat in your blood.
• Speak to a doctor before using Evra Patches if you are using or have recently stopped using any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines.

Evra Patch and blood clots

The use of Evra Patch, like the use of the combined contraceptive pill, can increase your chances of developing blood clots in both the veins and arteries.

Women who use combined contraceptives such as the Evra Patch are at the highest risk of developing a blood clot within the first year of use. Once you have stopped using any type of hormonal contraceptive your risk will return to normal within a few weeks.

You are at a higher risk of developing a blood clot when using Evra Patches if:

• You are over 35 years old
• You are overweight
• You smoke
• You have high blood pressure
• You have diabetes
• You have a family history of blood clots
• You suffer from migraines with aura

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot, such as swelling or pain in the arms or legs or breathlessness, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

Evra Patch and psychiatric disorders

Some women who use Evra Patches for contraception have reported experiencing changes to their mood, including feeling depressed and having suicidal thoughts. If you think you are experiencing any mood changes while using Evra Patches you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

Evra Patch and cancer

Using combined contraceptives can increase a woman’s chances of developing cancers including cervical, liver and breast cancer. The risk of cancer for women who have taken combined contraceptives decreases once they stop using them.

It is important to attend regular check-ups when using Evra Patches and to see a doctor if you notice any irregularities in your breasts or develop any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Evra Patch in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Evra Patches are not suitable for use while pregnant or while breastfeeding. If you think you are pregnant and have been using Evra Patches you should stop using them and speak to a doctor for advice.

How to use Evra Patch

Before using the Evra Patch you should take the time to read all the information detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

• Evra patches can be used by women over the age of 18 years and should be applied directly to the skin.
• Remove the patch from the packet, peel off the plastic backing halfway. Place the patch on the desired area of the skin. Peel the rest of the plastic off and hold the patch firmly against the skin for 10 seconds.
• Change your Evra Patch every 7 days for 3 weeks. On the 4th week do not apply a patch.
• Apply your next patch 7 days later and start the 3 weeks on and 1 week off process again.

Evra Patch placement

Evra Patches can be placed anywhere that is comfortable for you, but you should avoid areas of sore or irritated skin or any areas where it could be rubbed off or on the breasts.

The skin should be clean and dry and relatively hairless. Recommended areas for application are:

• Buttocks or outer thigh
• Abdomen
• Upper arms
• The skin over the shoulder blades

It is best to try and rotate the application sites to avoid the skin becoming irritated.

Starting using the Evra Patch

If you are not currently using any hormonal contraception in the past month or are switching from the combined oral pill:

• Apply your first Evra Patch within 24 hours of starting your period.
• If you apply your first patch later than day 1 of your period use a barrier contraceptive such as a condom for 7 days.

If you switching from the Progesterone-Only-Pill, the implant or injection:

• Apply your first patch the first day after stopping the progestogen-only pill or on the day of removal of an implant or when the next injection would be due.
• Use a barrier contraceptive such as a condom for the first 7 days.

After delivery, miscarriage or abortion before 20 weeks of pregnancy:

• Talk to your doctor before using the Evra Patch for advice.

What should I do if my Evra Patch falls off?

For less than 24 hours:

Try to put the same patch on again or put on a new patch immediately. You will not need additional contraception.

For more than 24 hours:

Start a new four-week cycle immediately by putting on a new patch as soon as you notice your patch has fallen off. Today will become your new day 1 and you should change the patch every 7 days for 3 weeks before your 7-day patch-free week.

Evra Patch Ingredients

The active ingredients in each Evra Patch:

Norelgestromin 6 mg and Ethinylestradiol 600 micrograms.

The inactive ingredients in each Evra Patch:

low-density pigmented polyethylene, polyester, polyisobutylene/polybutene adhesive, crospovidone, non-woven polyester fabric, lauryl lactate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, polydimethylsiloxane coating.

For a full list of ingredients included in Evra patches, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Evra Patch side effects

The side effects of Evra are the same as those for the combined contraceptive pill, most side effects improve after the first few months.

Some women may experience the following side effects when using the Evra Patch:

• Headaches or migraines,
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea,
• Breast tenderness,
• Mood changes,
• Irregular bleeding,
• Acne,
• Weight gain,

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction while using the Evra Patch you should get immediate medical advice from a doctor or your nearest emergency department.

If you are concerned about any side effects or you find they do not improve after the first few months you should speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse for advice.

For more information about the side effects associated with the Evra Patch please read the Patient Information Leaflet.