|
Drug Uses
Ortho Evra is a contraceptive (birth control) skin patch
used to prevent pregnancy. It is a combination hormonal
contraceptive because it contains two hormones, estrogen
and progestin. It does not protect against HIV infection
(AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
How Taken
This birth control method uses a 28-day (four week)
cycle. One topical patch is applied and kept in place
for one week. A new topical patch is applied each week
for three weeks in a row (21 total days). You should
not apply a patch during the fourth week (a one-week
break). During the one-week break, you should have your
menstrual period. Every new patch should be applied
on the same day of the week; this will be your 'Patch
Change Day'. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions
regarding when to start using Ortho Evra and whether
back-up contraception is needed temporarily. Clean and
dry the area of skin where the patch will be applied.
The patch can be placed on the buttock, abdomen, upper
outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it won't
be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on
the breasts. To avoid skin irritation, apply each new
patch to a different place on the skin. Do not apply
the patches to skin that is red, irritated or cut. Do
not use creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin
where you will put a patch or near a patch your are
wearing. It may cause the patch to become loose. If
a patch causes irritation, it can be removed and a new
patch may be applied to a new location until the next
'Patch Change Day'. Only one patch should be worn at
a time. Warnings/Precautions
The risks associated with using Ortho Evra increase
significantly if you: smoke, have high blood pressure,
diabetes, or high cholesterol, have or have had clotting
disorders, heart attack, stroke, chest pain (angina
pectoris), and cancer of the breast or reproductive
organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors.
Ortho Evra may be less effective in women weighing more
than 198 lbs. (90 kg). Do not use Ortho Evra without
first talking to your doctor if you weigh more than
198 lbs. (90 kg). Ortho Evra is in the FDA pregnancy
category X. This means that Ortho Evra is known to cause
birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Ortho Evra
if you are pregnant. Ortho Evra may decrease milk flow
and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use
Ortho Evra without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. Missed Dose
If you forget to change your patch: -at the start of
any patch cycle, Week one (Day 1): If you forget to
apply your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT ? you must
use back-up contraception for one week. Apply the first
patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember. You
now have a new Patch Change Day and new Day 1. -in the
middle of your patch cycle, Week two or week three:
If you forget to change your patch for one or two days,
apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Apply your
next patch on your normal Patch Change Day. No back-up
contraception is needed. Week two or week three: If
you forget to change your patch for more than two days,
YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT start a new four week cycle
as soon as you remember by putting on a new patch. You
now have a different Patch Change Day and a new Day
1. You must use back-up contraception for the first
week of your new cycle. -at the end of your patch cycle,
Week four: If you forget to remove your patch, take
it off as soon as you remember. Start your next cycle
on your normal Patch Change Day the day after Day 28.
No back-up contraception is needed. -at the start of
your next patch cycle, Day 1 (week one): If you forget
to apply your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT. Apply
the first patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember.
You now have a new Patch Change Day and new Day. You
must use back-up contraception for the first week of
your new cycle. Possible Side Effects
Some common side effects with combination hormonal contraceptives
like Ortho Evra are: -breast tenderness and enlargement
-headache -nausea -menstrual changes -abdominal cramps
and bloating -vaginal discharge. Storage
Store at 25?C (77?F); excursions permitted to 15-30?C
(59-86?F). Store patches in their protective pouches.
Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch.
Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer. Used patches
still contain some active hormones. Each patch should
be carefully folded in half so that it sticks to itself
before safely disposing of it in the trash. Used patches
should not be flushed down the toilet. Overdose
Ortho Evra is unlikely to cause an overdose because
the patch releases a steady amount of the hormones.
Do not use more than one patch at a time. Serious ill
effects have not been reported when large doses of oral
contraceptives were accidentally taken by young children.
Over dosage may cause nausea and vomiting. Vaginal bleeding
may occur in females. In case of over dosage, contact
your health care professional or pharmacist. More Information
Your health care professional will take a medical and
family history before prescribing Ortho Evra and will
examine you. The physical examination may be delayed
to another time if you request it and the health care
professional believes that it is a good medical practice
to postpone it. You should be reexamined at least once
a year. Be sure to inform your health care professional
if there is a family history of any of the conditions
listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all
appointments with your health care professional, because
this is a time to determine if there are early signs
of side effects of hormonal contraceptive use. Do not
use the drug for any condition other than the one for
which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed
specifically for you; do not give it to others who may
want birth control. If you want more information about
Ortho Evra, ask your health care professional or pharmacist.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes
only, it is not intended that this information covers
all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose. It should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences arising
from the use of this information, including damage or
adverse consequences to persons or property, however
such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
Complete information about Ortho
Evra 1 month-3 Patches
Complete information about Ortho
Evra 2 month- 6 Patches
|
