Ortho Evra (Contraceptive Patch)

Overview

Ortho Evra is a skin patch that is used as a birth control measure to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is a hormonal contraceptive patch used by women to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Out of the non-hormonal and hormonal methods of contraception, birth control patches, pills, and vaginal rings are some types of hormonal contraception. Birth control patches are contraceptive methods that are used by sticking them to the skin.  

Structure of the Patch

Ortho Evra patch is a birth control patch that acts by releasing hormones. It is an adhesive that can be applied to the skin. It is made of three different layers. The outer layer has a flexible backing, the middle layer is the adhesive layer with hormones and a protective liner on the inner side. The patch is filled with hormones called norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol. These hormones prevent the pregnancy. Over some time, these hormone patches give higher hormone levels but the peak hormone levels are less. The patches have an effective absorption from the skin. 

Mechanism of Action

Norelgestromin is the active ingredient in Ortho Evra that plays an important role in preventing pregnancy. It is the active progestin that is responsible for preventing pregnancy. They act by preventing ovulation, increasing the thickness of the cervical mucosa causing difficulty for the sperm to enter the uterus, and making changes in the uterus by preventing implantation. 

This can be applied as a patch to the buttocks, outer part of the upper arm, abdomen, or upper part of the chest excluding the breast. When compared to the other sites, the absorption from the abdomen is relatively less. These are weekly patches that have to be applied every week for three weeks and the last week can be free without any patches. 

Indications

Ortho Evra is a method of birth control that prevents pregnancy. This is indicated when one wants to plan the pregnancy later and not plan the pregnancy immediately. This can also be used when one wants a contraception for a long duration without the necessity of changing it every day. 

Contraindications

This is not indicated in certain medical conditions like recent heart attacks or any heart diseases, high blood pressure that is uncontrolled by medications, or severe diabetes that has damaged kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels. In women with severe migraine headaches, liver diseases, or tumors. It is also not indicated in the following conditions: 

• Had a previous history of breast cancer
• In the case of pregnancies and breastfeeding
• In case of allergies to synthetic hormones like estradiol or etonogestrel 
• Diseases that cause blood vessel damage 
• When taking medications that can increase the levels of liver enzymes
• It is also contraindicated in smoking, and for those who are more than 35 years old. 
• It is also not indicated in diseases of stroke and blood clot disorders. 
• Not indicated in those with heart valve disorders

Advantages

Ortho Evra has many advantages like:

• It is a safe, simple, comfortable, and convenient patch to place on the body and use. 
• It is not necessary to place in the exact position for contraception. 
• It need not be changed every day 
• Its presence is not felt by either of the partners 
• It can be effortlessly inserted in the vagina on their own
• It shortens the duration of the menstrual cycle and one can have regular and lighter periods
• It is reversible and one can become pregnant when an individual stops using it. 
• It allows one to have sex without any pause. 
• It has additional benefits in preventing ovarian cancers, cysts, ectopic pregnancies, uterine cancer, menstrual migraines, noncancerous breast tumors, acne, and excess facial hair. 

Before The Procedure

Before using the patch inform the healthcare provider of all the medical conditions, medications, allergies, and surgeries. After analysis of the history and depending on the health condition, the health care provider may prescribe the ring or may advise other birth control methods. 

Using The Patch

Before using the patch one has to read the information leaflet to know how to use and dispose. Open the pouch carefully as instructed by the manufacturer without tearing the patch. The patch should be put on dry skin where there is no application of creams, lotions, oils, powder, or make-up. 

For the first-time application use it on the first day following the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Use non-hormonal birth control during the first seven days for extra protection. The patch has to be changed once every week on the same day. The old patch has to be removed before placing the new one. It is advisable to apply the new patch at a different from the present one. The patches should be worn for three weeks in a row and left for week 4. 

A new patch should be reapplied once a break of a week is taken. It is advisable not to be without a patch for more than 7 days. In case of falling off of the patch, a new patch should be reapplied within a day. If there is any confusion regarding the duration of falling off of the patch then use an alternative non-hormonal birth control protection. The used patch should be folded and discarded as instructed by the manufacturer. 

Effectiveness

The birth control patches are safe and effective if used properly, regularly, and consistently. Their effectiveness is influenced by certain medications like antibiotics, obesity, forgetting to reapply another patch when one falls off, or replacing it every week. 

Risks, Side Effects, and Contraindications

Side effects include changes in mood and sexual drive, headaches, tender breasts, and vomiting. Risk of blood clots, altered blood sugar levels in diabetics, pigmentation of the skin, migraines, and vision changes are some of the complications. 

Conclusion

Ortho Evra is a simple, safe, convenient contraceptive patch used on the skin to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is a hormonal method of birth control containing Norelgestromin. It is a reliable option for contraception with ease of use and effective results.