Ortho Evra Attorneys

Pros and Cons of Ortho Evra Patch

Background

The contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra) is a 4 x 4 cm beige patch that sticks to a woman's skin and continuously releases 20µg of ethinyl estradiol and 150µg of the progestin norelgestromin per day. Note that these transdermal doses cannot be directly compared to oral doses of birth control pills.

How it Works

Similar to the combined oral contraceptive, the patch's primary mechanism of action is to prevent ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin secretion. It can also thicken the cervical mucus, cause endometrial atrophy and possibly impair tubal transport.

Dosage

Each patch is worn for seven days. A patch is applied to clean, dry, intact skin on the shoulder, abdomen, buttocks or torso (other than the breasts) on the first day of the menstrual period. This becomes the "Patch Change Day". A patch is applied weekly on the patch change day for three weeks. The fourth week is patch-free, allowing for menses. Alternately, the patch can be used semi-continuously like the oral contraceptive pill, by eliminating the patch-free week to skip menses.

Effectiveness

Like the combined oral contraceptive, the patch has a failure rate of 0.3% per year when used perfectly, with about a 3% failure rate for typical users. It may be less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds. The patch may work better than the combined OCP in women who have trouble remembering to take a pill every day. One study showed 88% perfect use of the patch, regardless of the woman's age, while only 78% of women overall used the pill perfectly. Compliance decreased with younger age groups.

Advantages

• Highly effective when used correctly
• You do not have to remember to take a pill each day
• You do not have to go to the doctor's office for a shot each month
• Does not inhibit sexual spontaneity
• Minimal side effects
• It is reversible

Disadvantages/Side Effects

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV
• Costs slightly more than the Pill (cost to pharmacies is $14 per month versus ~$12 per month for OCP), and may not yet be covered by all drug plans.
• Requires a prescription
• Requires weekly application
• Increased exposure to estrogen which can cause other health complications
• Nuisance side effects when starting can include breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, or nausea, similar to the combined oral contraceptive. Initially, breast tenderness and breakthrough bleeding may be more common with the patch than the pill, but these symptoms usually resolve after the first few months.
• Skin irritation from the strong adhesive of the patch is common (20%) but only 2% of users discontinued it for this reason. Rotating the site is recommended.
• Patch may not stick to skin well or rub off if worn near form-fitting clothing

The FDA is investigating Ortho Evra (manufactured by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceuticals) and has issued warnings, but there is no recall in effect as of yet. It has been shown that the Ortho Evra birth control patch has serious risks linked to it. If you have been injured as a result of using this product, contact the Ortho Evra lawyers at Williams Kherkher today for a free initial consultation.