Evra Patch

The Evra Patch is a hormone-releasing patch which sticks to the skin. The patch is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. It contains synthetic oestrogen and progesterone that are absorbed into the body through the skin. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy.

The Evra patch is designed for use on women. However you should ensure you have consulted with your doctor or a medical professional before using the Evra Patch

it is likely you will not qualify for use of the Evra patch if you tick any of the below boxes:

• Smokers- if you are over the age of 35 and smoke, you will not be given the contraceptive patch as smoking and the patch both increase your risk of blood clots. If you have smoked in the past but do not do so now then you may be allowed to use the patch depending on when you last smoked. If you are under 35 and smoke, you will have to stop smoking if you want to use the patch.
• Pregnant women- The patch will have adverse effects on your baby and there’s no point using the contraception as you are already pregnant.
• Breastfeeders- the patch can reduce your milk flow so it is not recommended if you are breast-feeding your child.
• If you are overweight- The patch will not be effective if you weigh over 198 pounds.
• Other medications- some medications can render the patch ineffective or the patch can stop the medications from working properly. These include Epilepsy medication, HIV treatment, some antibiotics and St John’s wort.

You may also not be able to use the patch if you have or have had:

• Diabetes- The patch has adverse effects on medications that lower blood sugar.
• Heart disease – The patch can raise your blood pressure and risk of blood clots.
• High blood pressure- as mentioned, the patch can increase your blood pressure.
• Liver problems or liver failure.
• If you have a family history of young heart attacks or strokes you will not be prescribed the patch.
• Breast cancer – Studies have shown that there is a small association between this form of cancer and the patch.
• Migraines- Women who experience extremely painful migraines that include auras – where your vision is affected- will not be allowed to use the patch

The contraceptive patch secretes synthetic hormones into your blood stream via skin contact and these have an effect on your menstrual cycle. The two hormones that are released are progesterone and oestrogen. During a usual cycle, levels of these hormones dictate the processes that occur throughout the month such as when an egg should be released. By adding a continuous rate of these hormones, you make your body believe that it has already ovulated. As you only release one egg a month, an egg will not be matured and released. Therefore it is very unlikely that you will get pregnant, as there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize in the first place

The Evra patch is designed to be changed each week for 3 weeks and then you have a 4 or 7-day break. During this break you will likely have a withdrawal bleed. This isn’t a period, but it might feel like one. It’s just your body reacting to the break in hormones. After your break you apply a new patch and start the cycle again.

But there are a variety of different ways you can use the contraceptive patch, particularly if you want to avoid having the withdrawal bleed:

• You can apply a patch once a week for 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 4 or 7 days. This is called tricycling. You’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed in your break. You then apply a new patch on the fifth or eighth day and start the cycle again.
• You can apply a new patch once a week without a break. This is called continuous use. You won’t have a withdrawal bleed, but you might get some bleeding. This should reduce as you use the patch over a long period of time.
• You can apply a new patch once a week without a break for at least 3 weeks. If after this time you get bleeding that’s unacceptable to you for 3-4 days, you can take a 4-day break and then reapply the patch. Use 3 more patches before you take another break. This is called flexible extended use.