Birth Control Patch (Evra)

Transcription

1 2011 Birth Control Patch (Evra)

2 Birth Control Patch (Evra) We have written this pamphlet to help you learn about the birth control patch (Evra). How does the patch work? The skin patch, Evra, is a once-a-week birth control method. It has 2 hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are absorbed through the skin. It prevents the release of an egg from your ovary each month. The patch thickens the mucous made by your cervix (the opening into the uterus) so the sperm can not get into the uterus as easily. Another way the patch prevents pregnancy is by changing the lining of the uterus. Evra works in the same way as the birth control pill. How effective is the patch? The patch is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly. Some studies suggest it may not be as effective for women who weigh more than 198 lbs. How much does the patch cost? The patch, obtained by prescription, usually costs about $30.00 (June 2007) for 1 month. Some drug plans will pay part of this cost. Also, some universities will pay some of the cost for their students. 1

3 Benefits of the patch It is easy to use, only need to apply one patch once a week. Your menstrual cycle may be more regular. Cramps during your period may be less painful. Your menstrual flow may be less. It may reduce the chances of getting some types of ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (which can cause infertility). It may protect you against getting cancer of the uterus or ovary. You may be less likely to get non-cancerous breast problems (such as cysts). It may improve acne. It usually does not cause weight gain. It may help prevent and treat endometriosis. Disadvantages of the patch You have to see a doctor for a prescription. It may cost more than some methods of birth control. It does not provide any protection against HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, or gonorrhea. 2

4 It must be used exactly as prescribed, wearing one patch per week for 3 continuous weeks, followed by one week off. It may cause missed periods, very little bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between periods. Most women have no side effects at all. Similar to the pill, it may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea and vomiting, skin irritation, mood changes, depression, decreased interest in sex, increased breast size or tenderness, weight gain or loss, fluid retention or tiredness. More serious side effects are migraines, leg cramps, chest pain, high blood pressure or a blood clot in the leg or lung. You should stop the patch and SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you have any of these serious side effects. Breast tenderness is more common with the patch than the pill but usually lasts only 1 or 2 months. It may take longer to get pregnant after the patch is stopped because of a delay in ovulation (egg being released from the ovary). Skin irritation/allergic reaction may prevent some women from using the patch. 3

5 Smoking and the patch The patch may be safely used by women until menopause if they are non-smokers. There may be no need for a rest period after several years of using the patch. Women who smoke are encouraged to stop. Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in the legs or lungs. The patch WILL NOT be prescribed for women who smoke and are older than 35 years because the risk of heart attack and stroke is too high. Who should not use the patch? A woman with a history of the following conditions should not use the patch: blood clots in the legs, lungs, or elsewhere. stroke. heart/coronary artery disease. breast cancer or cancer of the reproductive system (such as uterus or ovaries). if pregnant or suspects she is pregnant. liver cancer, liver tumor, or known liver disease. 4

6 high blood pressure. major surgery in the next 4 weeks. if her weight is more than 198 pounds. if she smokes and is over the age of 35. How to use the patch Apply a new patch each week for 3 weeks. The 4 th week is patch-free and during this week menstrual bleeding should occur. The patch should be started on the 1 st day of your menstrual period or on the 1 st Sunday after your menstrual period starts or immediately after an abortion. This day will be your patch change day for all the following patches. For example, if you apply your 1 st patch on a Sunday, the remaining patches will be applied on a Sunday. When first starting the patch, it will take 7 days for your body to absorb the medication to prevent a pregnancy. You must use a back-up method of birth control (such as a condom) for the 1 st week after starting the patch. 5

7 Patch Sites upper torso upper outer arm buttock abdomen The patch can be stuck on your buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso (shoulder) in a place where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Never put the patch on your breasts. Make sure the skin site is dry and clean and free of make-up, lotions, creams and powders that may prevent the patch from sticking securely. Avoid skin areas that are red, irritated, or cut. Open any one of the 3 foil pouches (they are all the 6

8 same). It is important to remove the beige colored patch and the clear plastic liner (covering the patch) from the foil pouch together. Avoid touching the sticky surface of the patch. Peel away half of the clear plastic and apply the sticky side of the patch to your skin that has been cleaned and dried. Remove the other half of the clear plastic and press the remaining patch onto your skin. Press firmly on the patch with your hand for 10 seconds. Rub around the edges several times with your finger making sure all the edges are sticking properly. Wear this patch for 7 days. On your patch change day, remove the used patch. Apply a new one immediately in the same way as the 1 st patch. To avoid irritation, do not apply the new patch to the same exact place, although a new one can be put on near the old place. Seven days later on patch change day, the 2 nd patch is removed and the 3 rd applied. Remove this 3 rd patch on the next patch change day and the following 7 days are patch-free. Your menstrual bleeding should occur during this week. Often, your period will start a day later than if you were on the pill. Begin the next cycle of patches by applying a new patch on the usual patch change day, no matter when your period begins or ends. 7

9 What if you forget to start/or change a patch? If you forget during week 1, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. This day will now be your patch change day. You must use back-up birth control (such as condoms) for the next 7 days. In the 2 nd or 3 rd week, if you forget the patch for less than 48 hours, remove the current patch and apply a new one. Your patch change day will stay the same. No back-up contraception is needed. During week 2 or 3, if you forget for more than 48 hours, remove the current patch and put on a new one. This day will now be your new patch change day. For the next 7 days you must use back-up contraception ( such as condoms) to prevent a pregnancy. If, during the 4 th week, you forget to remove the patch, remove it when you remember. No back-up contraception is required and your patch change day will stay the same. What should you do if the patch partly or completely falls off? Check your patch every day to make sure all the edges are sticking to your skin. If a patch has been off for less than 24 hours, try to reapply it and continue as usual. If the patch cannot be reapplied, put on a new one. The patch change day will stay the same. 8

10 If a patch has been off for more than 24 hours or you re not sure, stop this cycle. Apply a new patch. You now have a new patch change day and should use back-up contraception (such as condoms) for the next 7 days. Will the patch protect you against sexually transmitted inections? The patch will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Use a latex condom every time you have sex for protection from sexually transmitted infections. Points to remember Check your patch every day. Change the patch if it is no longer sticky, has become stuck to itself or another surface, has other material stuck to it or if it has fallen off before. When removing a used patch, lift one corner and quickly peel it back. Fold it in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it in the garbage and out of the reach of children and pets. Never leave the patch off for more than 7 days in a row. Do not skip patches, even if you do not have sex very often. 9

11 After removing a patch, if a small ring of adhesive is left on your skin (from clothing rubbing against the patch), you can remove the ring by rubbing a small amount of baby oil on the area. Do not clean the edges of the patch before removing it on patch change day. You should wear only 1 patch at a time. If you are switching from the pill to the patch, you should start the patch on the 1 st day of your period. No back-up contraception is needed. If the patch is not applied within the first 24 hours of your period, use back-up contraception such as condoms for 1 week after starting the patch. Do not use tapes, wraps, or any other adhesives/glues to hold the patch in place. Do not write on the patch or alter it in any way as this could affect the amount of medication that is delivered through the skin and may increase your risk of becoming pregnant. The patch sticks well to your skin allowing you to swim, shower, bathe, or exercise as usual. What makes the patch less effective? The patch may not be as effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds. These medications may interfere with the patch: anticonvulsants (medications for epilepsy). certain medications used to treat HIV or AIDS. 10

12 antibiotics (medications for infections). Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take other medications while on the patch. If the medication does interfere with how the patch works, consider using condoms with the patch or avoid sex till you apply patch number 1 of the next cycle. Emergency Contraception You may need Emergency Contraception Pills (ECP) if you have unprotected sex, if a condom breaks, or if you are raped. ECP is effective for up to 72 hours after having sex, but most effective if taken immediately. You can get ECP from your pharmacist. You do not need a prescription. If you take ECP, you may have an upset stomach or throw up. It will help if you take with food or a medication for upset stomach. Some women may not be able to take ECP because it is a hormone. For those women, an IUD (intrauterine devise) may be inserted by a doctor to prevent pregnancy. The IUD may be placed in the uterus up to 7 days after intercourse. Staying Healthy You will need to have a yearly Pap smear and breast exam by your doctor as a part of staying healthy. 11

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14 Looking for more health information? Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information. For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Capital Health, Nova Scotia Prepared by: Capital Health Illustrations by: Page 6-LifeART Super Anatomy 1, Page 11-LifeART Health Care 1 Images, Copyright 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA Designed and Printed by: CH Audio Visual and Printing Departments The information in this brochure is provided for information and education purposes only. The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider. WP Revised May 2011 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.