Description
To continue with the alternative routes of hormone delivery, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a contraceptive patch in November 2001. The patch is applied on the skin through which the hormones are absorbed.
The patch is marketed by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical with the brand name Ortho Evra.
How It Works
The patch is 4.5 square centimeter in size and has three layers: the inner release liner which should be removed before application, a layer containing hormones, and an outer polyester protective layer. The patch contains 6 milligram of progestin, Norelgestromin also called 17-acetylnorgestimate and 0.75 milligram of Ethinyle Estradiol. The patch releases 120 microgram of norelgestromin and 20 microgram of Ethinyl Estradiol every day.
The first patch should be applied within the first five days of menstrual cycle and back up contraception should be used for 7 days. A new patch should be applied every week for three weeks followed by one patch-free week.
If the patch falls off for any reason, a new patch should be applied as soon as possible but within 48 hours. No back up contraception is required. The patch does not fall of that easily. Heat, humidity and exercises do not affect adhesion. Patch may detach completely in up to 2-6% of all patches used.
Under no circumstances should the patch free interval go beyond 7 days between cycles. If this happens, pregnancy should be rule out before applying a new patch and a backup method should be used for 7 days.
In case of skin irritation, the patch should be removed and a new patch should be applied at a different location until the next change day.
Advantages and Precautions
The patch has many advantages over combined oral contraceptive pills. It provides a steady release of hormones resulting in complete suppression of ovulation. It is highly effective with first year failure rate of 1-2 percent. Because there is no need for daily action and it can be easily applied on the skin, patch was found highly acceptable method among women and their partners.
The patch is very simple and easy to use and women do not require any assistance. The patch is applied to clean, dry, intact healthy skin on the buttocks, abdomen, outer arm or upper torso except breasts. Over and above the indications and precautions for other combined hormonal contraceptives, women weighing more than 198 pounds should not use the patch as the effectiveness of the patch is reduced in these women.
