Safety & Side Effects
The Patch delivers hormones into your body, and, as with any medication, it is vital to understand the possible risks and side effects that may accompany its use. As always, it is very important to speak with your doctor before starting any medication.
In clinical trials, the most common side effects women experienced were breast symptoms, which included pain, tenderness and swelling. Headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain were also experienced. Skin irritation and rash were also reported at site of application.
The most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation in 1.0% to 2.4% of women included nausea and/or vomiting, application site reaction, breast symptoms, headache and emotional changes.
In addition to these common side effects, serious risks, which can be life threatening include, blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, and are increased when you smoke cigarettes, especially if you are over 35.
It is important to know that you will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use ORTHO EVRA® than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen may increase the risk of side effects. The risk of venous thromboembolic events (blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs) may be increased with ORTHO EVRA® use compared with use of birth control pills. Studies examined the risk of these serious blood clots in women who used either ORTHO EVRA® or birth control pills containing one of two progestins (levonorgestrel or norgestimate) and 30-35 micrograms of estrogen. Results of these studies ranged from an approximate doubling of risk of serious blood clots to no increase in risk in women using ORTHO EVRA® compared to women using birth control pills. You should discuss with your healthcare professional whether ORTHO EVRA® is a good method of contraception for you. The Patch does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.
Additional information can be found in the Safety & Side Effects section of Questions About the Patch.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Can't sleep? Flip your mattress for a comfy new bed.
Chewing gum stuck in the carpet? Rub it with an ice cube until hard, then just pull it off.
Breath not as fresh as you'd like? Remember to brush your tongue, too.
