What Is the Birth Control Patch?
The birth control patch (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) is a skin patch that is used for contraception (to prevent pregnancy). It contains norelgestromin (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), which are released slowly over time. Each birth control patch is changed once a week.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with the birth control patch. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of the birth control patch include, but are not limited to:
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Headaches
- Skin reactions where the patch was placed
- Nausea.
(Click Birth Control Patch Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using the birth control patch if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Dosing Information for the Birth Control Patch
There is only one standard dose of the birth control patch, regardless of age, weight, or medical conditions. However, keep in mind that the birth control patch is less effective in women who weigh 198 pounds or more.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Drug Interactions With the Birth Control Patch
What If I Take an Overdose?
A birth control patch overdose is unlikely, for various reasons. However, women who take too much of a combined hormonal contraceptive (such as the birth control patch) may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other menstrual irregularities.
Store the birth control patch patches at room temperature, avoiding extreme temperatures. Keep each patch in its protective pouch until just before you apply it. Dispose of the patch by folding it in half and throwing it away (do not flush it).
Keep the birth control patch and all other medications out of the reach of children.
How Does the Birth Control Patch Work?
The birth control patch works in a similar way as combined
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills that contain both an estrogen and a progestin), although it is a patch, rather than a pill. It primarily works to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also prevents pregnancy in two other, minor ways. The birth control patch alters the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. The birth control patch also alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
Some general considerations for when and how to use the birth control patch include the following:
- The birth control patch comes in a pack with three patches that are exactly the same. Each new patch is applied once a week for the first three weeks of a cycle; no patches are worn during the last week (to allow for a menstrual period).
- You can wear the birth control patch on the upper, outer arm; the upper torso (the front or back, but not on the breasts); the abdomen; or the buttocks. Choose an area of skin that is clean, dry, and free of irritation or cuts. Do not apply lotions, creams, powders, or makeup on the skin before or after the patch is applied.
- You can wear the birth control patch while swimming, showering, bathing, or exercising.
- Do not cut, draw on, or decorate your patch in any way.
- After removing the patch, some adhesive may remain on the skin. A little baby oil or lotion can help remove the adhesive.
- Don't flush a used patch, as it still contains some hormones that can get into the water supply. Dispose of it by folding it in half (on itself) and disposing of it out of the reach of children or pets.
- In many cases, if a patch falls off, it can be reapplied (although a new patch may be necessary, especially if the old one is no longer sticky). In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception for seven days.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The birth control patch is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Is There a Generic Version of the Birth Control Patch?
Currently, there is no generic version of the birth control patch licensed for sale
(see Generic Ortho Evra).
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