Made by Swiss laboratories JANSSEN-CILAG, the Ortho Evra Patch is a female contraceptive used to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
It is a condensed adhesive patch containing female sexual hormones that are released into the body when applied to the skin. It is a popular contraceptive amongst women who are used to simplicity, but it has some specific features that you must respect for it to be completely efficient.
Each month the female body goes through different phases, allowing her to prepare for potential fertilisation. The process by which the egg is released from the ovary is called ovulation and plays a key role in the onset of pregnancy. Once the egg is released, it can be fertilised by the sperm.
What happens next to the egg depends on its potential fertilisation. If this step occurs, the fertilised egg reaches the uterus and nests in the endometrium before developing into a foetus. Conversely, an unfertilized egg will be discharged with the endometrium at the time of menstruation.
The two active ingredients of the Evra patch are norelgestromin and Ethinyl estradiol, which respectively mimic the activity of progesterone and oestrogen and prevent the onset of pregnancy in three ways.
First, these synthetic hormones halt the release of the egg. Secondly, they control the thickening of the endometrium so that the egg cannot implant itself. Finally, they increase the density of the vaginal fluid to impede the movement of sperm into the uterus.
The hormonal pill is not suitable for all women. Some of them prefer not to follow a treatment every day, or they think they will forget their pill easily. The advantage of the Evra patch is that it is a weekly application, as it works for 7 consecutive days.
Evra Patch online: active ingredient, indications and method of use
Table of Contents
The Evra patch was designed to be based on Estradiol and Norelgestromin. It is intended for women aged 18 to 45 and is available by prescription only. It is a thin, beige, 20cm2 transdermal patch. Before using the Evra patch, you must first get the consent of your doctor, who will ask about your medical history in order to judge your body’s suitability for the treatment. The contraceptive comes in an adhesive form, which sticks to the skin in certain places. The Evra patch may be placed on the buttocks, abdomen, shoulder, arm or upper torso. The body part where you choose to affix the patch must be clean, dry and hairless. It is not recommended to put the Evra patch on a breast. To prevent skin irritation, put the patch in a different place each time.
Applied properly, the Evra patch works for a duration of 7 days. This works well for women who complain about having to take a pill every day, which they often forget to do. The patch is clearly visible, long-lasting and comfortable. You begin the treatment on the first day of menstruation and continue to use it for a period of 3 weeks. On the 4th week, you do not apply a patch. If you start using the patch on a certain day of the week, you need to change it on the same day for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, the patch will not be applied. If you take off the patch before 7 days, it is advisable to replace it within a maximum of 24 hours to ensure its effectiveness.
Furthermore, it should be noted that this contraceptive is often prescribed as a second option; that is to say after you have already found the contraceptive pill to be unsatisfactory beforehand. Your doctor may prescribe this type of birth control for the sake of practicality and comfort. But the patch is only advised for women who can also use the combined pill, as it works in almost exactly the same way.
Who should be careful when using the patch?
Body weight exceeding or equal to 90kg
Contraceptive efficacy may be reduced in women weighing 90 kg or more.
Renal failure
EVRA has not been studied in women with renal impairment. No dosage adjustment is necessary, but, as suggested in the literature, the unbound fraction of Ethinyl estradiol is higher, so increased medical supervision is necessary during the use of EVRA.
Hepatic insufficiency
EVRA has not been studied in women with hepatic impairment. EVRA is contraindicated for women with hepatic impairment (see contraindications).
Postmenopausal women
EVRA is not advised for postmenopausal women and is not intended for use as hormonal replacement therapy.
Paediatric population
Safety and efficacy have not been established in adolescents under 18 years. The use of EVRA in children and pre-pubescent teens is not relevant.
How to use Evra Patch?
EVRA should be applied to clean, dry, healthy, intact and hairless skin, i.e. on the buttock, abdomen, outer side of the upper arm or upper torso; in a place where it will not suffer from friction caused by tight clothing. EVRA should not be placed on the breasts or on skin that is red, irritated or cut. Every new patch should be placed on a different part of the skin from the previous patch, in order to avoid any potential irritation. Although, they may be applied in the same anatomical region.
It is necessary to press the patch firmly until the edges stick well.
To prevent interference with the adhesive properties of the patch, you should not apply makeup, creams, lotions, powders or other topical products to the area of skin where you plan to place the patch.
It is recommended that users check their patch daily to ensure that it is still attached to your skin correctly.
The EVRA transdermal patch should not be cut, damaged or altered in any way as this may compromise contraceptive effectiveness.
Used transdermal patches should be discarded carefully in accordance with the instructions in the user manual for handling and disposal.
How should you start to use the Evra patch in UK?
If no hormonal contraceptive was used in the previous cycle
Contraception with EVRA begins on the first day of menstruation. A single patch should be applied and worn for one full week (7 days). The day you apply your first transdermal patch (Day 1 / starting day) determines the change date of the following patches. The patch’s ‘Change Day’ will be the same day each week (days 8, 15, 22 and Day 1 of the next cycle). The fourth week is a patch-free interval from day 22.
If the treatment’s first application starts after the first day of the menstrual cycle, a non-hormonal contraceptive must be used as well for the first 7 days of the first treatment cycle.
By switching from an oral combined hormonal contraceptive
Treatment with EVRA should begin on the first day of withdrawal bleeding. If no withdrawal bleeding occurs within 5 days after the last hormonal pill, make sure that you are not pregnant before starting treatment with EVRA. If treatment starts after the first day of withdrawal bleeding, a non-hormonal contraceptive must be used as well for 7 days.
If there is a delay of more than 7 days after taking the last active oral contraceptive pill, the woman may have ovulated and should consult a doctor before starting treatment with EVRA. If intercourse took place during an extended pill-free interval, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered.
When switching from a progestin-only method
The woman may switch from the progestogen-only pill (or from an implant on the day of its removal; or from an injection when the next injection is due) any day she likes, but she must also use another method of contraception for the first 7 days.
After an abortion or miscarriage
EVRA may be started immediately after an abortion or miscarriage that occurs before 20 weeks’ gestation. No additional contraceptive is needed if you start EVRA immediately. Note that ovulation may occur within 10 days of an abortion or miscarriage.
After an abortion or miscarriage occurring during or after the 20th week of gestation, EVRA may be started 21 days after the abortion, or on the first day of her period, whichever comes first. It is unheard of for ovulation to occur on the 21st day after an abortion (at 20 weeks’ gestation).
After childbirth
Users who choose not to breastfeed should wait 4 weeks after delivery to start their contraceptive therapy with EVRA. For women who begin later, it should be advised to use a barrier method during the first 7 days. However, if intercourse has already occurred, it is necessary to ensure that you are not pregnant before starting EVRA, or the woman has to wait for her next menstrual cycle.
What are the advantages of buying the patch?
As an adhesive contraceptive, the patch has many advantages. You will no doubt be pleased by its simplicity. The Evra patch is effective in over 99% of cases, especially for those who use it properly. It does not hinder the spontaneity of sex. It helps regulate the heaviness of menstruation, menstrual pain, and the symptoms of acne. It is an ideal contraceptive for those who travel a lot or who often forget daily pills.
What are the side effects of Evra Patch?
Like all prescription drugs and like any contraception, Evra Patch may cause side effects in some women. Most of these effects are only temporary, and they should fade with time.
The most common side effects of Evra Patch
| headache | discomfort in the chest |
| nausea | mood changes |
| irregular bleeding |
The rarest side effects
| blurry vision | jaundice |
| breathlessness | chest pain |
If you experience more severe side effects or they last for a long time, please consult your doctor without delay.
Warning: Contrary to myth, please note that using the contraceptive patch does not cause any weight gain.
Contraindications of Evra patch
The Evra patch should not be used during pregnancy, or even at a stage of suspected pregnancy. In a case of increased migraines, visual trouble or unusual epigastric problems, it is advisable to consult your doctor. It is not recommended that you use the patch If you are allergic to any of its components, which is why the doctor’s opinion is very important. Also, if you are changing contraceptive methods, it is strictly advised to take your doctor’s advice. Before you change from one contraceptive to Evra or vice versa, only the doctor is able to advise you on what to do.
Efficient and simple to use, it is important to respect the patch’s rules of use to reach full satisfaction.
How do I buy Evra patch online & in UK?
The patch is a contraceptive that, like others in UK, requires a prescription written by a doctor. Because of its many side effects, you must carry out a medical consultation to check whether your health and your metabolism will allow you to take the treatment without risks.
Buy Evra Patch in a UK pharmacy
So visiting the gynecologist is necessary in order to buy the patch in a pharmacy. As all women know, it can sometimes be complicated to get an appointment with the gynaecologist, as their schedules can be very overloaded.
Buy Evra Patch Online
The other solution to buying this treatment is to carry out a remote consultation online. Depending on the country in which you reside, you can buy the Evra Patch online. The process is simple: you fill out a medical questionnaire about your health and medical history, and then a doctor will examine your questionnaire and decide whether or not your health allows you to take the treatment. It is important to remember that in the case of pills and other contraceptive patches, the doctor will only issue you a prescription as a renewal, and not a first purchase.
Before buying the patch online, don’t forget to check if your country allows permits the sale of prescription drugs online. Some, such as France, Belgium, Spain and Ireland do not authorise it. Conversely, if you live in England, Germany or Sweden you can order your prescription online and receive it at home.
What is the price of Evra Patch Online & in UK?
In UK Evra patch is only available if you have a prescription. The price of prescription drugs is determined by the pharmacy. Depending on where you plan to complete the purchase, prices may vary.
Evra Patch Price: Buy in a UK pharmacy
In pharmacies, the price for one cycle of Evra, i.e. one month of treatment, ranges from £13 to £18 on average. It is also necessary to add the cost of your medical consultation to this price.
Evra Patch Price: Buy online
The online prices for the patch can be relatively competitive. Depending on the different online pharmacies, the price for one month of treatment is only slightly higher than in a pharmacy, namely between £15 and £20. When you carry out your order, you get an average of 3 months of treatment (total cost £60-70). The cost of the prescription and delivery are usually included.
Caution: Alfadoc always recommends that you go through your gynecologist and conduct a comprehensive review before purchasing the patch or any other prescription drug. We also invite you to be wary of websites offering you drugs bearing the words “cheap” or “without prescription”. In many cases, these websites sell counterfeits that can be dangerous to your health.
Sources
- Birth Control Patch: Plannedparenthood.org
- Advantages and disadvantages of the patch: NHS
- Ortho Evra side effects: Drugs
Other information
Medical review on January 18, 2021 by Dr. Davis Taylor
Reviews for Evra Patch Online & in UK
3 Comments
Maria · January 22, 2017 at 12:37 am
The Evra patch is for me by far the best contraception. There is no constraint, you need to put the patch, it is when effective for 3 weeks unlike the pill must be taken every day, no risk of neglect, no side effects. The price is quite cheap
Kristal · March 30, 2017 at 9:46 am
Hi! Nice to hear that. How much does it cost for 3months?
Leah · January 22, 2017 at 8:02 pm
Same, very positive about the patch evra. I took the pill before it was efficient but I could not stand not to the right, I had a lot of bleeding, the rules were painful. Since I put the patches, I have no pain. The only small problem is that after a few days, the patch becomes quite dirty, it’s not ideal when we make love.