ORTHO EVRA – How Does the Patch Work?

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How Does it Work?

How Does it Work?

The Patch is worn on the body, preventing pregnancy by delivering continuous levels of hormones (progestin and estrogen, respectively) into the bloodstream through the skin. Following this process, the Patch works the same way that pills do: by preventing ovulation. This means that the ovary does not release an egg to be fertilized. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and it changes the endometrium, which is the mucus membrane that lines the uterus, to reduce the chance of implantation..

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 with women using birth control pills. Talk to your healthcare professional about how this information relates to your use of ORTHO EVRA^®.

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ORTHO EVRA^® is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use a transdermal patch as a method of contraception.
This product is available by prescription only.

Important Safety Information

Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported with the use of the Patch. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use the Patch are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack, blood clots, or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant.

Hormones from ORTHO EVRA^® get into the bloodstream and are processed by the body differently than hormones from birth control pills. 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.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the Detailed Patient Labeling from the full Product Information.

© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009. All rights reserved. Your use of the information on this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Notice. Please see our Privacy Policy. This site is published by Ortho Women's Health & Urology^™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents.

Capitalized product names are registered trademarks of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

This information is intended for use by our customers, patients and healthcare professionals in the United States only. Ortho Women's Health & Urology^™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., recognizes that the Internet is a global communications medium; however, laws, regulatory requirements and medical practices for pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The prescribing information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States.
Last Modified On January 20, 2010