Evra Patch

The Evra Patch is a hormonal contraceptive patch that prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into the skin. Each one is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches, and is left on for a week at a time. It is known as a transdermal patch, and is one of the least invasive and easy-to-apply contraceptive methods available; perfect for women wanting worry-free birth control.

When applied to the skin, the Evra contraceptive patch slowly releases ethinylestradiol and norelgestromin into the bloodstream through the skin. This works in three core ways to protect against pregnancy:

• Stops ovulation: prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickens cervical mucus: makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
• Thins the womb lining: reduces the chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.

This combination of effects makes the Evra Patch a highly effective method to prevent pregnancy, offering protection without daily pills or invasive procedures.

The Evra Patch is over 99% effective when used correctly.

One study involving 3,319 women using the Evra Patch found that the probability of pregnancy was just 0.8%. This equates to less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women predicted within a year. Please note that the Evra Patch may be less effective in women who weigh over 90 kg. Discuss treatment plans with your doctor if you are overweight.

Neither option is necessarily “better” than the other. Which one you choose depends on your lifestyle and health needs.

• The Evra Patch is a non-invasive option applied once per week. Choose this if you do not want to worry about taking daily tablets.
• The combined oral contraceptive pill doesn’t require a visible patch on your body and is easy to stop or switch treatments if needed.

To be prescribed the Evra Patch from 121doc, you must be a woman over the age of 18.

Do not use the Evra Patch if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine
• have ever had a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs, or any other organ
• have a disorder that affects blood clotting
• are due for a surgery or will be immobile for a long time
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have angina pectoris (a condition causing severe chest pain) or transient ischaemic attack (temporary stroke symptoms)
• experience migraines with aura
• have ever had liver disease, a liver tumour, or kidney problems
• have ever had cancer of the breasts or genital organs
• experience unexplained vaginal bleeding

You can apply the Evra Patch to the buttock, abdomen, upper arm, or upper back. The skin must be clean, dry, and hairless for the patch to stick to it effectively, otherwise treatment won’t be effective and the patch may fall off.

• Weeks 1, 2 and 3: Apply one patch and leave it on for exactly 7 days. Apply a new patch on the 8th day.
• Week 4: Do not put a patch on this week.

No, you should not place the Evra Patch on your thigh, as it may be rubbed off by tight clothing and interfere with the patch’s ability to release hormones effectively. You should follow the guidelines provided and only put the patch on clean, dry and hairless skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper arm or upper back.

If your patch becomes loose, lifts at the edges, or falls off completely, what you do next depends on how long it’s been:

• Less than 1 day:
  • Try to put it on again if it sticks. If it doesn’t, put a new one on immediately.
  • Apply your next patch on the same day.
  • Additional contraception is not needed.
• More than 1 day*:
  • Apply a new patch and start a new 4-week cycle.
  • Start from week 1 of your cycle.
  • Use non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 7 days.

*These instructions also apply if you do not know how long your patch has been off for.

If you forget to change your patch, you are at risk of becoming pregnant. This is because each patch is only designed to last for 7 days. What you do next depends on how long it's been since you were supposed to change it:

• Less than 2 days late:
  • Apply a new patch as soon as you remember.
  • Apply your next patch at the usual time (don’t change your schedule).
• More than 2 days late:
  • Apply a new patch as soon as you remember and start a new 4-week cycle.
  • Apply your next patch after 7 days as if you were starting anew.
  • Use non-hormonal contraception (e.g. condoms) for the next 7 days.

When you apply your Evra contraceptive patch depends on your previous contraceptive method. Find which one relates to you below and follow the advice given:

Yes, there are some potential side effects from contraceptive patches like Evra Patch, although not everyone gets them. The most common Evra Patch side effects include:

• headache
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• vaginal yeast infection (e.g. thrush)
• mood problems (such as depression or anxiety)
• dizziness
• migraine
• stomach ache or bloating
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• acne and other skin problems
• muscle spasms
• changes to menstrual bleeding
• weight gain

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Hormonal contraceptives like the Evra Patch have been known to cause skin problems or weight gain in some people, although this will not be everyone's experience. This is likely due to hormonal changes, and should go away after a few weeks once your body is used to the medicine.

The Evra Patch can prevent your period if used continuously, which is why the break in the 4th week is required. This 1-week break allows your body to shed the uterine lining, resulting in a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

You may notice changes to your menstrual bleeding, including lighter or shorter bleeds, spotting between patches, or occasionally missing a withdrawal bleed altogether. These changes are generally normal, especially in the first few months of use when your body is adjusting to the patch.

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects