Ortho Evra 21 day (Norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol)

Do's

• Apply a new patch on the first day of your period, or on the Sunday following the start of your period. This ensures consistency in your hormone cycle.
• Choose a clean, dry, flat area of your skin on the buttocks, abdomen (lower belly), back of your shoulder, or upper outer arm to apply the patch.
• Press the patch firmly onto your skin for at least 10 seconds to ensure good adhesion.
• Wear the patch for exactly 7 days.
• After 7 days, remove the old patch and apply a new one to a different skin location.
• Repeat steps 2-5 for 3 consecutive weeks.
• During the fourth week, you will not wear a patch and will typically experience your menstrual period.

Don'ts

• Do not apply the patch to irritated, broken, or greasy skin.
• Do not apply lotion, oil, or other skincare products to the area where you will place the patch. This can affect the patch's adhesion.
• Do not reuse a patch.
• Do not cut or alter the patch in any way.
• Do not wear the patch for more than 7 days at a time.
• Do not skip a patch or restart after a delay of more than 4 weeks without consulting your healthcare provider. This can decrease the effectiveness of the patch.
• Do not use Ortho Evra if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Water retention
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
• Missed periods or irregular flow
• Skin irritation at the patch application site
• Mood changes
• Weight changes
• Changes in libido

Serious side effects (rare):

• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Liver problems
• Gallbladder disease
• Allergic reactions
• Severe depression
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unusual changes in vaginal bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Ortho evra 21 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Ortho Evra increases your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you have certain conditions or are overweight.

This risk is highest in the first year of use and after restarting after a 4-week break.

Smoking significantly increases the risk, especially for those over 35.

People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, diabetic complications, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver problems, severe migraines, or a history of certain cancers.

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or being overweight can further increase the risk of blood clots.

A history of depression, gallbladder disease, or jaundice may require discussing safety with your healthcare provider.

Ortho Evra can pass into breast milk and harm the baby. It may also decrease milk production. Do not use it while breastfeeding.