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| Ortho Evra |
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Drug Uses -
Ortho Evra is used for the prevention of pregnancy. It is a contraceptive (birth control) skin patch that contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. Ortho Evra does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV(AIDS).
How Taken -
A 28-day (four-week) cycle is used as the birth control method. One topical patch should be applied and kept for one week. A new topical patch should be applied each week for three subsequent weeks (21 total days). You should not apply a patch during the fourth week (a one-week break). During this one-week break, you should have your menstrual period. Apply every new patch on the same day of the week (Patch Change Day). Follow the prescriptions of your doctor regarding the time to start using Ortho Evra and whether back-up contraception is needed temporarily. Before apply Ortho Evra, clean and dry the area of skin where it will be applied. The areas to apply may be the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso in a place where it will not be rubbed by clothing. Do not apply the patch on the breasts. In order to prevent skin irritation, each new patch should be applied to a different place on the skin. Avoid using creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin surface where you will put a patch or nearby. Remove a patch if it causes irritation and apply a new patch to a new location until the next "Patch Change Day". It is allowed to wear only one patch at a time.
Warnings/Precautions -
The factors that elevate the risk of unfavorable reactions while using Ortho Evra are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, jaundice, or malignant or benign liver tumors. Ortho Evra may be less effective in case your weight is more than 90 kg (198 lbs). Talk to your doctor in such situation. Ortho Evra is in the FDA pregnancy X. It means that Ortho Evra may be detrimental to an unborn baby. You should consult with your doctor before taking Ortho Evra if you are breast-feeding a baby, because hormones in birth control pills pass into breast milk and may decrease milk production and its composition.
Missed Dose -
There are some situations that are likely to occur.
The case when you forget to change your patch at the start of any patch cycle.
Week one (Day 1): If you forget to apply your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT - the back-up contraception must be used for one week.
The case when you forget to change your patch in the middle of your patch cycle.
Week two or week three: If you forget to change your patch for one or two days, a new patch should be applied as soon as you remember. Your next patch should be applied on your normal Patch Change Day. Back-up contraception is not necessary.
Week two or week three: If you forget to apply your patch for more than two days, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT. New four week cycle should be started as soon as you remember by putting on a new patch. In this case Patch Change Day and a new Day 1 arechanged. The back-up contraception is obligatory for the first week of your new cycle.
The case when you forget to change your patch at the end of your patch cycle.
Week four: Take patch off as soon as you remember. The next cycle should be started on your normal Patch Change Day the day after Day 28. The back-up contraception is not obligatory
The case when you forget to change your patch at the start of your next patch cycle.
Day 1 (week one): In situation you forget to apply your patch, YOU COULD BECOME PREGNANT. The first patch should be applied as soon as you remember. Currently you have a new Patch Change Day and new Day. The back-up contraception is obligatory for the first week of your new cycle.
Possible Side Effects -
Ortho Evra may cause some side effects: breast tenderness and enlargement, headache, nausea, menstrual changes, abdominal cramps and bloating, vaginal discharge.
Storage -
Ortho Evra must be stored at 25°C (77°F) in special protective pouches; permitted temperature range 15-30°C (59-86°F). Patch should be applied immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Do not use the refrigerator or freezer to store the patches. Remember that after usage the patch still contains some active hormones. Folds each patch in half before drop it in the dustbin. Do not flush used patches down the sewerage.
Overdose -
The patch releases a steady amount of the hormones that is why an overdosage of Ortho Evra is unlikely to occur. Avoid applying more than one patch at the same time. It has been reported about serious ill effects when young children accidentally took large doses of oral contraceptives. Possible symptoms of overdosage may include nausea and vomiting and vaginal bleeding in females. In case of overdose suspicion, contact your health care professional.
More Information -
Before prescribing Ortho Evra, your doctor will examine you and take a medical and family history. Reexamination takes place at least once a year. Tell your doctor about any conditions mentioned above. Do not skip appointments with your doctor because it helps to determine early signs of side effects. The drug is administered only for you and should not be given to other person who may want birth control. Ask your health care professional or pharmacist for other information.
Disclaimer -
This is not complete information about this drug. It does not cover all aspects of Ortho Evra usage (directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects). This data should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be used for any particular patient. We point out reliability of this information and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse after-effects to persons, however such damages or sequels arise. No warranty is made in regards to this information.
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