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Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin (EH thi nill
ess tra DYE ole and nor ell JESS tro men)
Brand Names: Ortho
Evra |
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What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol
and norelgestromin? |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin does not protect you from
sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the
only way to protect yourself from these diseases. |
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Avoid smoking. It greatly increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke or
blood clot formation while using hormonal birth
control. |
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Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. |
What is ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin? |
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Ethinyl estradiol is a form of estrogen and norelgestromin is a form of
progesterone. These are both female hormones involved in conception. The ethinyl
estradiol and norelgestromin topical patch releases estrogen and progesterone
that are absorbed directly through the skin. |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is used to prevent
pregnancy. |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ethinyl
estradiol and norelgestromin? |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may be less effective in women weighing
more than 198 lbs. (90 kg). Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin
without first talking to your doctor if you weigh more than 198 lbs. (90
kg). |
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Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin without first talking to
your doctor if you have or have had: |
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blood clots in your legs (thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or
eyes; |
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chest pain (angina pectoris), heart attack, severe high blood pressure, or
disease of the heart valves with complications; |
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diabetes with complications of the kidneys, nerves or blood
vessels; |
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yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or
with prior use of hormonal birth control; |
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liver tumors or liver disease; |
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headaches with neurological symptoms; |
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any type of breast, uterine, cervix, vaginal or other hormone-dependent
cancer; |
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unexplained vaginal bleeding; |
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need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness;
or |
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heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and over age
35. |
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Using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may be dangerous in some cases if
you have any of the conditions listed above. |
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Before using ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin, tell your doctor if you
have a family history of breast cancer; breast nodules; fibrocystic disease;
abnormal breast x-ray; or abnormal mammogram; diabetes; high cholesterol; high
blood pressure; heart disease; liver disease; kidney disease; gallbladder
disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a
history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an
extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness. |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is in the FDA pregnancy category
X. |
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This means that ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin is known to cause birth
defects in an unborn baby.Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin
if you are pregnant. |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin may decrease milk flow and have other
effects on milk composition. Do not use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I use ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin? |
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Use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you. |
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This birth control method uses a 28 day (four week) cycle. One topical patch
is applied and kept in place for one week. A new topical patch is applied each
week for three weeks in a row (21 total days). You should not apply a patch
during the fourth week (a one-week break). During the one-week break, you should
have your menstrual period. Every new patch should be applied on the same day of
the week, this will be your 'Patch Change Day'. |
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Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding when to start using
ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and whether back-up contraception is needed
temporarily. |
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Clean and dry the area of skin where the patch will be applied. The patch
can be placed on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a
place where it won't be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on the
breasts. To avoid skin irritation, apply each new patch to a different place on
the skin. |
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Do not apply the patches to skin that is red, irritated or cut. Do not use
creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin where you will put a patch or near a
patch your are wearing. It may cause the patch to become
loose. |
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If a patch causes irritation, it can be removed and a new patch may be
applied to a new location until the next 'Patch Change Day'. Only one patch
should be worn at a time. |
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If a patch has become loose or fallen off for less than one day, try to
reapply it or apply a new patch immediately. |
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Do not use the patch if it is no longer sticky, if it is stuck to itself,
another surface, or other material, or if it has previously become loose or
fallen off. No tapes or wraps should be used to keep the patch in place. No
back-up contraception is needed. Your 'Patch Change Day' stays the
same. |
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If the patch has fallen off for more than one day or if you are not sure for
how long it has been off, you may become pregnant. Start a new four week
cycle immediately by putting on a new patch. You now have a new 'Day 1' and a
new 'Patch Change Day'. You must use another method of birth control such as a
condom, spermicide, or a diaphragm for the first week of your new
cycle. |
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Single replacement patches are available through your
pharmacist. |
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Store the topical patches in their protective pouches at room temperature
away from moisture and heat. Do not store in the refrigerator or
freezer. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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If you forget to apply a patch at the start of any cycle, week one (Day 1),
you could become pregnant. You must use back-up contraception, (e.g.,
condom, spermicide, diaphragm) for one week. Apply the first patch of a new
cycle as soon as you remember. You now have a new 'Patch Change Day' and a new
Day 1. |
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If you forget to change a patch for one or two days in Week two or Week
three, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Apply the next patch on your
normal 'Patch Change Day'. No back-up contraception is needed.
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If you forget to change a patch for more than two days in Week two or Week
three, you could become pregnant. Start a new four week cycle as soon as
you remember by putting on a new patch. You now have a new 'Patch Change Day'
and a new Day 1. You must use back-up contraception for the first 7 days of your
new cycle. |
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If you forget to remove a patch at the end of Week four, take it off as soon
as you remember. Start your next cycle on your normal 'Patch Change Day'. No
back-up contraception is needed. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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If more than one patch is worn at a time, or if the medication has been
ingested, call an emergency room or poison control left for advice. Symptoms of
an overdose of combination hormonal contraceptives may include nausea, vomiting,
or vaginal bleeding. |
What should I avoid while using ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin? |
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Ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin does not protect you from
sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the
only way to protect yourself from these diseases. |
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• |
Avoid smoking. It greatly increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke or
blood clot formation while using hormonal birth
control. |
What are the possible side effects of ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using
ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and seek emergency medical attention or
contact your doctor immediately: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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sharp chest pain, coughing blood or sudden shortness of breath (possible
blood clot in the lung); |
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pain in the calf (possible blood clot in the leg); |
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crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart
attack); |
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sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or problems with
vision or speech, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (possible
stroke); |
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sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the
eye); |
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yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), especially with
fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark colored urine, or light colored bowel
movements (possible liver problems); |
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severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen (gallbladder or liver
problems); |
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irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens in more than 1 menstrual
cycle or lasts for more than a few days; |
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swelling (edema) of the fingers or ankles; or |
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severe problems with difficulty sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue,
or a change in mood (possible severe depression). |
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new or changing breast lumps. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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changes in menstrual cycle or breast tenderness; |
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changes in weight or appetite; |
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intolerance to contact lenses; |
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changes in skin color; or |
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changes in blood sugar. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin? |
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Many other drugs may interact with ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin.
Some interactions (e.g. with certain antibiotics, protease inhibitors, seizure
medications, St. John's wort, and other medications) may result in decreased
effectiveness of ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin and therefore increase the
risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking
any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and
minerals and herbal products, while taking an oral
contraceptive. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about ethinyl estradiol and
norelgestromin written for health professionals that you may
read. | |
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