Evra Patch

Authored by

Dr Muhammad Zeeshan Afzal

20 August 2024

What is Evra Patch?

Evra Patch is a prescription hormonal contraceptive controlling the amount of oestrogen and progestogen in the female body.

Description

Evra Patch as a Contraception

There are many types of contraceptive medications. A contraceptive patch, such as Evra, is a type of birth control that is adhered to the skin and can be over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

A contraceptive patch releases the daily dose of hormones into the body that will prevent the body from releasing an egg. The patch can release these hormones through the skin and into the bloodstream where they will then work to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

What is the Evra Contraceptive Patch and how does it work?

The patch works the same as oral contraceptive pills. The hormones circulate in the bloodstream and then cause the lining of the cervix to thicken and the lining of the womb to thin, making it more difficult for a sperm cell to reach the egg.

Evra contains a type of the two sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen which makes it a combined hormonal contraceptive. These two ingredients are norelgestromin and ethinyl oestradiol and are released into the body in a daily dose.

Is the Evra Contraceptive Patch right for me?

If you are looking for an effective contraceptive, Evra may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
If you have high or low blood pressure
If you have ever had a migraine with an aura
If you are suspected of having cancer of the breast, womb, cervix or vagina
If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
If you are taking medication for hepatitis C
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Evra. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Evra, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Headaches or migraines
Breast tenderness
Mood changes
Dizziness
Stomach ache or bloating
Acne, skin rash, skin itching or skin irritation
Muscle spasms
Changes in menstrual bleeding pattern
Problems where the patch has been on the skin
Feeling tired or generally unwell
Weight gain
Vaginal yeast infection (thrush)

How to use Evra?

Always take Evra exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist.

On weeks 1, 2 and 3, put on one patch and leave it on for exactly seven days
In week 4, do not put on a patch.
Apply your first patch during the first 24 hours of your period
Choose a place on your body to put the patch, this needs to be in a clean, dry and hairless area of skin, e.g. the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper back. Do not place the patch on your breasts.
Change your patch on the same day of each week.
Never go without wearing a patch for more than 7 days in a row
Only wear one patch at a time
Do not cut or tamper with the patch
Do not put the patch on skin that is red, irritated or cut
Press the patch down firmly until the edges stick well
Do not put a new patch on the same area of skin as the old patch
Check each day to make sure the patch has not fallen off
Read the instructions carefully
You must not use Evra if you are pregnant
Do not use Evra while breast-feeding

Warnings and Precautions

Evra may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT use Evra:

If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
If you have high or low blood pressure
If you have ever had a migraine with aura
If you are suspected of having cancer of the breast, womb, cervix or vagina
If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
If you are taking medication for hepatitis C

The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.

Evra Patch Patient Leaflet

To view Evra Patch Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Additional Information

The Evra Patch is a transdermal patch that has been developed to deliver oestradiol and norethindrone acetate, two hormones used in hormone therapy, through the skin. The Evra Patch is applied once a week and provides women with effective contraception and relief from menopausal symptoms. It is also one of the most affordable forms of hormone therapy available.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

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