Interactions and contraindications
Contraceptive effectiveness of the patch or any other hormonal contraceptive may be reduced significantly if administered alongside various antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, or other drugs that increase metabolism of contraceptive steroids.However, despite the interactions with many other antibiotics, a clinical pharmacokinetic drug interaction study showed that oral administration of tetracycline HCl 500 mg for three days prior to and seven days during use of Ortho Evra "did not reduce effectiveness of Ortho Evra." This is a significant factor in the common decision to administer tetracycline-derived antibiotics following an abortion (preventatively to fight potential infection) when synthetic hormone contraceptives are to be used afterwards.Drugs containing St. Johns wort are also known to affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.It has also been found that the patch is less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds (90 kg). The contraceptive patch and other combination hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in women older than 35 years who smoke cigarettes.The contraceptive patch is contraindicated for use in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Thromboembolism
All combined hormonal birth control products have a very small increased risk of serious or fatal thromboembolic events. There is ongoing research into the thromboembolic risks of Ortho Evra as compared to combined oral contraceptive pills. A recent study found that users of the contraceptive patch may have a twofold increased risk for non-fatal venous thromboembolic events compared with women who took a norgestimate-containing oral contraceptive with 35 µg of estrogen.
A contraceptive patch, also known as "the patch", is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic oestrogen and progestogen hormones to prevent pregnancy. They have been shown to be as effective as the combined oral contraceptive pill with perfect use, and the patch may be more effective in typical use.Xulane and Twirla are approved for use in the United States. Evra is approved for use in Canada and marketed by Janssen Inc., and it is approved for use in the United Kingdom and in Europe and marketed by Janssen-Cilag. The patches are packaged in boxes of three and are only available by prescription. Medical uses
Because the patch works similar to that of birth control pills, many of the benefits are the same. For example, the patch may make a womans period lighter and more regular. It may also help to clear acne, decrease cramps, and reduce PMS symptoms. Additionally, the patch is associated with an increased protection against iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometrial and ovarian cancer.The patch is a simple and convenient form of birth control that requires weekly attention. When a woman stops using the patch, her ability to become pregnant returns quickly. Side effects
In three large clinical trials involving a total of 3,330 women using the Ortho Evra / Evra patch for up to one year, 12% of users discontinued the patch because of adverse events.