Evra Patch (Ethinylestradiol / Norelgestromin)

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Evra

Evra Patch (Ethinylestradiol / Norelgestromin) - Dosage and How to Use

How should Evra Patch (Ethinylestradiol / Norelgestromin) be used?

Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
If you are switching from other forms of contraception, please seek advice from your healthcare professional.
For the first pack of Evra®, you may apply the first patch on the first day of your menses (if this is your first time using hormonal contraceptives or restarting this medication after a break).
If you are also using it for contraceptive purposes, a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) is recommended for the first 7 days of using this medication.
You should apply a new patch ONCE A WEEK for 3 weeks and stop for 1 week (7-day patch-free interval), during which you will experience withdrawal bleeding (menses).
Wear the patch for exactly seven days for 3 weeks and change the patch on the same day every week (“Patch Change Day”).
After the 7-day patch-free interval, apply a new patch even if you are still having menstrual bleeding.
For example:

How to apply the patch:

Always put your patch on clean, dry and hairless skin.
Put it on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper back – in places where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing.
Do not put on the breast or skin that is red, irritated or cut.
Do not use adhesives or wraps to hold the patch in place.
Do not use creams, oils, lotions, powder or other skincare products on the application site. The patch may not stick well.
Put the new patch on a different area of the skin each time to reduce skin irritation.

Do not use scissors to open the foil pouch. Use your fingers to open the pouch by tearing it along the edge.
There is a clear protective covering on the patch.
Peel away half of the clear protective covering (refer picture). Try not to touch the sticky surface.

(Some patches might stick to the inside of the sachet.
Be careful not to remove the clear covering as you remove the patch)

Put the patch on your skin.
Take off the other half of the covering.
Press down firmly on the patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds.
Make sure the edges stick well.
Check your patch every day to make sure it is still stuck firmly and has not fallen off.

Normal activities (e.g. bathing or showering, using a sauna or exercising) should not affect how well the patch works. The patch is designed to stay in place during these activities. However, you should check that the patch has not fallen off after doing these activities.

If the patch becomes loose, lifts at the edges or falls off:
For less than one day (up to 24 hours)	For more than one day (24 hours or more) or if you are not sure for how long
Try to put it on again or put on a new patch immediately. No back-up contraception is needed. Your “Patch Change Day” remains the same. Do not use adhesives or wraps to keep the patch in place. Put on a new patch immediately, if: it is no longer sticky it has become stuck to itself or another surface it has other material stuck to it it is the second time it has become looser or has fallen off	Start a new cycle immediately by putting on a new patch. You now have a new Day 1 and a new “Patch Change Day”. Use a barrier method such as a condom for the first week of your new cycle.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Follow the instructions below closely to ensure you are protected from pregnancy.

If you forget to change your patch at the start of any patch cycle (Week 1/Day 1):

Put on a new patch as soon as you remember.
You now have a new Day 1 and a new “Patch Change Day”.
Use a barrier method such as a condom for the first week of your new cycle.

If you forget to change your patch in the middle of the patch cycle (Week 2/Day 8 or Week 3/Day 15):

For one or two days (up to 48 hours):

Put on a new patch immediately.
The next patch should be applied on the usual “Patch Change Day”.
No back-up contraception is needed.

For more than two days (48 hours or more):

Start a new cycle immediately by putting on a new patch.
You now have a new Day 1 and a new “Patch Change Day”.
Use a barrier method such as a condom for the first week of your new cycle.

If you forget to take off your patch at the end of the patch cycle (Week 4/Day 22):

Take it off as soon as you remember.
Start your next cycle on your usual “Patch Change Day”, the day after Day 28.
No back-up contraception is needed.

**If you miss your period (especially if you have not been using the patch correctly), check with your doctor to find out if you are pregnant before starting the next cycle of contraceptives.