The label was again revised in September 2006, and on January 18, 2008, the FDA again updated the label to reflect study results: "The FDA believes that Ortho Evra is a safe and effective method of contraception when used according to the labeling, which recommends that women with concerns or risk factors for serious blood clots talk with their health care provider about using Ortho Evra versus other contraceptive options." Method of use
The patch is first applied onto the upper outer arm, buttocks, abdomen or thigh on either the first day of the menstrual cycle (day 1) or on the first Sunday following that day, whichever is preferred. The day of application is known from that point as patch change day. Seven days later, when patch change day comes again, the user removes the patch and applies another to one of the approved locations on the body. This process is repeated again on the next patch change day. On the following patch change day, the patch is removed and not replaced. The user waits seven days without a patch in place, and on the next patch change day they apply a new patch. Extended use regimens, where patches are used for several weeks before a patch-free week, have been studied.The patch should be applied to skin that is clean, dry, and intact. This means if skin is red, irritated, or cut, the patch should not be placed in that area.
Chlorothiazide, sold under the brand name Diuril among others, is an organic compound used as a diuretic and as an antihypertensive.It is used both within the hospital setting or for personal use to manage excess fluid associated with congestive heart failure. Most often taken in pill form, it is usually taken orally once or twice a day. In the ICU setting, chlorothiazide is given to diurese a patient in addition to furosemide (Lasix). Working in a separate mechanism from furosemide and absorbed enterically as a reconstituted suspension administered through a nasogastric tube (NG tube), the two drugs potentiate one another. It was patented in 1956 and approved for medical use in 1958. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Indications
Large amount of excess fluid including:
Heart failure
Peripheral edema
Hypertension

Contraindications
Anuria
Allergies to sulfa drugs

Side effects
Nausea / Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Excess urine production
Dehydration
Hypoelectrolytemia (esp. hypokalemia / hypomagnesia)

History
The research team of Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories of Beyer, Sprague, Baer, and Novello created a new series of medications, the thiazide diuretics, which includes chlorothiazide. They won an Albert Lasker Special Award in 1975 for this work.The structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. See also
Hydrochlorothiazide


== References ==