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Black Box Warning
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING, RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, AND PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE OF ETHINYL ESTRADIOL
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
* Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Risks
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from hormonal contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, hormonal contraceptives, including ORTHO EVRA, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among women aged 15–44 who used the ORTHO EVRA patch compared to women who used several different oral contraceptives was assessed in five U.S. epidemiologic studies using electronic healthcare claims data. The relative risk estimates ranged from 1.2 to 2.2; one of the studies found a statistically significant increased relative risk of VTE for current users of ORTHO EVRA.
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profile of Ethinyl Estradiol (EE)
The PK profile for the ORTHO EVRA patch is different from the PK profile for oral contraceptives in that it has a higher steady state concentrations and a lower peak concentration. Area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) and average concentration at steady state (Css) for EE are approximately 60% higher in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using an oral contraceptive containing 35 mcg of EE. In contrast, the peak concentration (Cmax) for EE is approximately 25% lower in women using ORTHO EVRA. It is not known whether there are changes in the risk of serious adverse events based on the differences in PK profiles of EE in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using oral contraceptives containing 30–35 mcg of EE. Increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of adverse events, including VTE
Overview
Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system is a hormonal contraceptive that is FDA approved for the prophylaxis of prevention of pregnancy. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include breast symptoms, nausea/vomiting, headache, application site disorder, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, vaginal bleeding and menstrual disorders, and mood, affect and anxiety disorders.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Indications
ORTHO EVRA is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use a transdermal patch as a method of contraception.
Limitation of Use:
ORTHO EVRA may be less effective in preventing pregnancy in women who weigh 198 lbs (90 kg) or more.
Dosing
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, ORTHO EVRA must be used exactly as directed.
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper system usage may be found in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.
How to Use ORTHO EVRA
The ORTHO EVRA transdermal system uses a 28-day (four-week) cycle. A new patch is applied each week for three weeks (21 total days). Week Four is patch-free. Withdrawal bleeding is expected during this time.
Every new patch should be applied on the same day of the week. This day is known as the "Patch Change Day." For example, if the first patch is applied on a Monday, all subsequent patches should be applied on a Monday. Only one patch should be worn at a time.
Do not cut, damage or alter the ORTHO EVRA patch in any way. If the ORTHO EVRA patch is cut, damaged or altered in size, contraceptive efficacy may be impaired.
On the day after Week Four ends, a new four-week cycle is started by applying a new patch. Under no circumstances should there be more than a seven-day patch-free interval between dosing cycles.
How to Start Using ORTHO EVRA
The woman has two options for starting the patch and she should choose the option that is right for her:
First Day Start—The woman should apply her first patch during the first 24 hours of her menstrual period.
Sunday Start—The woman should apply her first patch on the first Sunday after her menstrual period begins. With this option, a non-hormonal backup method of birth control, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, is needed for the first 7 days of the first cycle only. If her period starts on a Sunday, the first patch should be applied that day, and no backup contraception is needed.
When Switching From the Pill or Vaginal Contraceptive Ring to the Patch—If the woman is switching from the pill or vaginal contraceptive ring to ORTHO EVRA, she should complete her current pill cycle or vaginal ring cycle and apply the first ORTHO EVRA patch on the day she would normally start her next pill or insert her next vaginal ring. If she does not get her period within a week after taking the last active pill or removing the last vaginal ring, she should check with her healthcare professional to be sure that she is not pregnant, but she may go ahead and start ORTHO EVRA for contraception. If the patch is applied more than a week after taking the last active pill or removal of the last vaginal ring, she should use a non-hormonal contraceptive concurrently for the first 7 days of patch use.
Use after Childbirth
Start contraceptive therapy with ORTHO EVRA in women who elect not to breastfeed no sooner than 4 weeks after childbirth due to increased risk of thromboembolism. If a woman begins using ORTHO EVRA postpartum, and has not yet had a period, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of ORTHO EVRA, and instruct her to use an additional method of contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, for the first seven days.
Use after Abortion or Miscarriage
After an abortion or miscarriage that occurs in the first trimester, ORTHO EVRA may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if ORTHO EVRA is started immediately. If use of ORTHO EVRA is not started within 5 days following a first trimester abortion, the woman should follow the instructions for a woman starting ORTHO EVRA for the first time. In the meantime she should be advised to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method. Ovulation may occur within 10 days of an abortion or miscarriage.
Start ORTHO EVRA no earlier than 4 weeks after a second trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease.
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
Transdermal system: 150 mcg/day norelgestromin and 35 mcg/day ethinyl estradiol.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
There is limited information regarding Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system Contraindications in the drug label.
Warnings
WARNING: CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING, RISK OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, AND PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE OF ETHINYL ESTRADIOL
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
* Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Risks
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from hormonal contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, hormonal contraceptives, including ORTHO EVRA, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among women aged 15–44 who used the ORTHO EVRA patch compared to women who used several different oral contraceptives was assessed in five U.S. epidemiologic studies using electronic healthcare claims data. The relative risk estimates ranged from 1.2 to 2.2; one of the studies found a statistically significant increased relative risk of VTE for current users of ORTHO EVRA.
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profile of Ethinyl Estradiol (EE)
The PK profile for the ORTHO EVRA patch is different from the PK profile for oral contraceptives in that it has a higher steady state concentrations and a lower peak concentration. Area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) and average concentration at steady state (Css) for EE are approximately 60% higher in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using an oral contraceptive containing 35 mcg of EE. In contrast, the peak concentration (Cmax) for EE is approximately 25% lower in women using ORTHO EVRA. It is not known whether there are changes in the risk of serious adverse events based on the differences in PK profiles of EE in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using oral contraceptives containing 30–35 mcg of EE. Increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of adverse events, including VTE
Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems
Stop ORTHO EVRA if an arterial or deep venous thrombotic event (VTE) occurs.
Stop ORTHO EVRA if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.
If feasible, stop ORTHO EVRA at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of VTE. Discontinue use of ORTHO EVRA during prolonged immobilization and resume treatment based on clinical judgment.
Start ORTHO EVRA no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum VTE decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
The use of combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) increases the risk of VTE. Known risk factors for VTE include smoking, obesity and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs.
Five epidemiologic studies1–9 that assessed the risk of VTE associated with use of ORTHO EVRA are described below. These are 4 case control studies, that compared VTE rates among women using ORTHO EVRA to rates among women using an OC comparator, and an FDA-funded cohort study that estimated and compared VTE rates among women using various hormonal contraceptives, including ORTHO EVRA. All five studies were retrospective studies from U.S. electronic healthcare databases and included women aged 15–44 (10–55 in the FDA-funded study) who used ORTHO EVRA or oral contraceptives containing 20–35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG), norethindrone, or norgestimate (NGM). NGM is the prodrug for NGMN, the progestin in ORTHO EVRA.
Some of the data from the epidemiologic studies suggest an increased risk of VTE with use of ORTHO EVRA compared to use of some combined oral contraceptives (see TABLE 1). The studies used slightly different designs and reported relative risk estimates ranging from 1.2 to 2.2. None of the studies have adjusted for body mass index, smoking, and family history of VTE, which are potential confounders. The interpretations of these relative risk estimates range from no increase in risk to an approximate doubling of risk. One of the studies found a statistically significant increased risk of VTE for current users of ORTHO EVRA.
The five studies are:
The i3 Ingenix study with NGM-containing oral contraceptives as the comparator, including a 24-month extension, based on the Ingenix Research Datamart; this study included patient chart review to confirm the VTE occurrence.
The Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program (BCDSP) with NGM-containing oral contraceptives as the comparator (BCDSP NGM), including two extensions of 17 and 14 months, respectively, based on the Pharmetrics database, using only non-fatal idiopathic cases. VTE cases were not confirmed by chart review.
BCDSP with LNG-containing oral contraceptives as the comparator, based on the Pharmetrics database, using only non-fatal idiopathic cases. VTE cases were not confirmed by chart review.
BCDSP with LNG-containing oral contraceptives as the comparator, based on the Marketscan database, using only non-fatal idiopathic cases. VTE cases were not confirmed by chart review.
FDA-funded study with two groups of comparators [1) LNG-containing oral contraceptives, and 2) oral contraceptives that contain LNG, norethindrone or norgestimate], based on Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases. This study used all cases of VTE (idiopathic and non-idiopathic) and included patient chart review to confirm the VTE occurrence.
The i3 Ingenix and BCDSP NGM studies have provided data on additional cases identified in study extensions; however, each study extension was not powered to provide independent estimates of risk. The pooled estimates provide the most reliable estimates of VTE risk. Risk ratios from the original and various extensions of the i3 Ingenix and BCDSP NGM studies are provided in Table 1. The results of these studies are presented in Figure 1.
File:XXXXX.pngThis image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.File:XXXXX.pngThis image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
All estimates took account of new-user status. The method and time period used to identify "new users" varied from study to study.
Includes the following progestins: levonorgestrel (LNG), norethindrone, norgestimate (NGM).
BCDSP = Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program
EE = ethinyl estradiol
An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) is well established. Although the absolute VTE rates are increased for users of CHCs compared to non-users, the rates associated with pregnancy are even greater, especially during the post-partum period (see FIGURE 2).
The frequency of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 woman-years.
The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of combination hormonal contraception. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to combination hormonal contraceptives gradually disappears after use is discontinued.
Figure 2 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs, for women who use CHCs, for pregnant women, and for women in the post-partum period.
To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.
An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) is well established. Although the absolute VTE rates are increased for users of CHCs compared to non-users, the rates associated with pregnancy are even greater, especially during the post-partum period (see FIGURE 2).
The frequency of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 woman-years.
The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of use of combination hormonal contraception. The risk of thromboembolic disease due to combination hormonal contraceptives gradually disappears after use is discontinued.
Figure 2 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs, for women who use CHCs, for pregnant women, and for women in the post-partum period.
To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.
File:XXXXX.pngThis image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Use of CHCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as, cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes) and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. In general, the risk is greatest among older (>35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke. Use CHCs with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
PK Profile of Ethinyl Estradiol
The PK profile for the ORTHO EVRA patch is different from the PK profile for oral contraceptives in that it has a higher Css and a lower Cmax. AUC and average Css for EE are approximately 60% higher in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using an oral contraceptive containing EE 35 mcg. In contrast, the Cmax for EE is approximately 25% lower in women using ORTHO EVRA. Inter-subject variability results in increased exposure to EE in some women using either ORTHO EVRA or oral contraceptives. However, inter-subject variability in women using ORTHO EVRA is higher. It is not known whether there are changes in the risk of serious adverse events based on the differences in PK profiles of EE in women using ORTHO EVRA compared with women using oral contraceptives containing 30–35 mcg of EE. Increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of adverse events, including venous thromboembolism.
Liver Disease
Impaired Liver Function
Do not use ORTHO EVRA in women with liver disease, such as acute viral hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis of liver [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4)]. Discontinue ORTHO EVRA if jaundice develops. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal and CHC causation has been excluded.
Liver Tumors
ORTHO EVRA is contraindicated in women with benign and malignant liver tumors. Hepatic adenomas are associated with CHC use. An estimate of the attributable risk is 3.3 cases/100,000 CHC users. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death through intra-abdominal hemorrhage.
Studies have shown an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in long-term (>8 years) CHC users. However, the risk of liver cancers in CHC users is less than one case per million users.
High Blood Pressure
ORTHO EVRA is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop ORTHO EVRA if blood pressure rises significantly.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women taking hormonal contraceptives, and this increase is more likely in older women with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin.
Gallbladder Disease
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among CHC users. Use of CHCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease. A past history of CHC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent CHC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHC-related cholestasis.
Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who take ORTHO EVRA. CHCs may decrease glucose tolerance in a dose-related fashion. In a 6-cycle clinical trial with ORTHO EVRA there were no clinically significant changes in fasting blood glucose from baseline to end of treatment.
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. A small proportion of women will have adverse lipid changes while on hormonal contraceptives.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using hormonal contraceptives.
Headache
If a woman taking ORTHO EVRA develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue ORTHO EVRA if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of ORTHO EVRA in the case of increased frequency or severity of migraine during hormonal contraceptive use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event).
Bleeding Irregularities
Unscheduled Bleeding and Spotting
Unscheduled (breakthrough) bleeding and spotting sometimes occur in women using ORTHO EVRA. Consider non-hormonal causes and take adequate diagnostic measures to rule out malignancy, other pathology, or pregnancy in the event of unscheduled bleeding, as in the case of any abnormal vaginal bleeding. If pathology and pregnancy have been excluded, time or a change to another contraceptive product may resolve the bleeding.
In the clinical trials, most women started their scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding on the fourth day of the drug-free interval, and the median duration of withdrawal bleeding was 5 to 6 days. On average, 26% of women per cycle had 7 or more total days of bleeding and/or spotting (this includes both scheduled and unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting). Three clinical studies of the efficacy of ORTHO EVRA in preventing pregnancy assessed scheduled and unscheduled bleeding in 3,330 women who completed 22,155 cycles of exposure. A total of 36 (1.1%) of the women discontinued ORTHO EVRA at least in part, due to bleeding or spotting.
Table 2 summarizes the proportion of subjects who experienced unscheduled (breakthrough) bleeding/spotting by treatment cycle.
File:XXXXX.pngThis image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea
In the event of amenorrhea, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one patch or started the patch on a day later than she should have), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and take appropriate diagnostic measures. If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.
Some women may encounter amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea after discontinuation of hormonal contraceptive use, especially when such a condition was pre-existent.
Hormonal Contraceptive Use Before or During Early Pregnancy
Extensive epidemiological studies have revealed no increased risk of birth defects in women who have used oral contraceptives prior to pregnancy. Studies also do not suggest a teratogenic effect, particularly in so far as cardiac anomalies and limb reduction defects are concerned, when oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy. Discontinue ORTHO EVRA use if pregnancy is confirmed.
Administration of CHCs should not be used as a test for pregnancy.
Depression
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue ORTHO EVRA if depression recurs to a serious degree.
Carcinoma of Breasts and Cervix
ORTHO EVRA is contraindicated in women who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive.
There is substantial evidence that CHCs do not increase the incidence of breast cancer. Although some past studies have suggested that CHCs might increase the incidence of breast cancer, more recent studies have not confirmed such findings.
Some studies suggest that combination oral contraceptive use has been associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there continues to be controversy about the extent to which such findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
Effect on Binding Globulins
The estrogen component of CHCs may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormone or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.
Monitoring
A woman who is taking hormonal contraceptive should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.
Hereditary Angioedema
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
Chloasma
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using ORTHO EVRA.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
Do not prescribe ORTHO EVRA to women who are known to have the following conditions:
A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to:
Smoke, if over age 35
Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past
Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies
Have cerebrovascular disease
Have coronary artery disease
Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation)
Have uncontrolled hypertension
Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease
Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or have migraine headaches with aura
Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches
Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or liver disease
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use hormonal contraceptives during pregnancy
Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in the drug label.
Drug Interactions
There is limited information regarding Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system Drug Interactions in the drug label.
Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) Pregnancy Category
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system with respect to nursing mothers.
Pediatric Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system with respect to pediatric patients.
Geriatic Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system with respect to geriatric patients.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in patients with hepatic impairment.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
How to Apply ORTHO EVRA
CHOOSING A PLACE ON THE BODY TO PUT THE PATCH
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
The patch may be placed on the upper outer arm, abdomen, buttock or back in a place where it won't be rubbed by tight clothing. For example, it should not be placed under the waistband of clothing.
The patch should not be placed on the breasts, on cut or irritated skin, or on the same location as the previous patch.
Before applying the patch:
The woman should make sure the skin is clean and dry.
She should not use lotions, creams, oils, powders, or make-up at the patch site. It may cause the patch to fail to stick properly or to become loose.
HOW TO APPLY THE PATCH
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
The woman should check her patch every day to make sure all edges are sticking correctly.
WHEN TO CHANGE THE ORTHO EVRA PATCH
The patch works for seven days (one week). The woman should apply a new patch on the same day each week (her Patch Change Day) for 3 weeks in a row. She must make sure she has removed her old patch prior to applying the new patch.
During Week 4, she DOES NOT wear a patch. She must make sure she removes her old patch. (Her period should begin during this week.)
Following Week 4, she repeats the cycle of three weekly applications followed by a patch-free week.
WHAT IF THE PATCH BECOMES LOOSE OR FALLS OFF?
The patch must stick securely to the skin to work properly. If the ORTHO EVRA patch becomes partially or completely detached and remains detached, insufficient drug delivery occurs. The woman should not try to reapply a patch if it is no longer sticky, if it has become stuck to itself or another surface, or if it has other material stuck to it.
If a patch edge lifts up:
The woman should press down firmly on the patch with the palm of her hand for 10 seconds, making sure that the whole patch adheres to her skin. She should run her fingers over the entire surface area to smooth out any "wrinkles" around the edges of the patch.
If her patch does not stick completely, she should remove it and apply a replacement patch.
She should not tape or wrap the patch to her skin or reapply a patch that is partially adhered to clothing.
If the patch has been off or partially off:
For less than 1 Day, she should try to reapply it. If the patch does not adhere completely, she should apply a new patch immediately. (No backup contraception is needed and her Patch Change Day will stay the same).
For more than 1 Day or if she is not sure for how long, she may not be protected from pregnancy. To reduce this risk, she should apply a new patch and start a new 4-week cycle. She will now have a new Patch Change Day and MUST USE NON-HORMONAL BACKUP CONTRACEPTION (such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide) for the first week of her new cycle.
IF THE WOMAN FORGETS TO CHANGE HER PATCH
At the start of any patch cycle (Week One/Day 1): SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY. She should apply the first patch of her new cycle as soon as she remembers. There is now a new "Patch Change Day" and a new "Day 1." The woman must use back-up contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, for the first week of the new cycle.
In the middle of the patch cycle (Week Two/Day 8 or Week Three/Day 15),
For one or two days (up to 48 hours), she should apply a new patch immediately. The next patch should be applied on the usual "Patch Change Day." No back-up contraception is needed.
For more than two days (48 hours or more), SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY. She should stop the current contraceptive cycle and start a new four-week cycle immediately by putting on a new patch. There is now a new "Patch Change Day" and a new "Day 1." The woman must use back-up contraception for one week.
At the end of the patch cycle (Week Four/Day 22),
If the woman forgets to remove her patch, she should take it off as soon as she remembers. The next cycle should be started on the usual "Patch Change Day," which is the day after Day 28. No back-up contraception is needed.
Under no circumstances should there be more than a seven-day patch-free interval between cycles. If there are more than seven patch-free days, THE WOMAN MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY and back-up contraception, such as a condom and spermicide or diaphragm and spermicide, must be used for seven days. As with combined oral contraceptives, the risk of ovulation increases with each day beyond the recommended drug-free period. If she has had intercourse during such an extended patch-free interval, consider the possibility of pregnancy.
Change Day Adjustment
If the woman wishes to change her Patch Change Day, she should complete her current cycle, removing the third ORTHO EVRA patch on the correct day. During the patch-free week, she may select an earlier Patch Day Change by applying a new ORTHO EVRA patch on the desired day. In no case should there be more than 7 consecutive patch-free days.
Breakthrough Bleeding or Spotting
In the event of unscheduled or breakthrough bleeding or spotting (bleeding that occurs on the days that ORTHO EVRA is worn), treatment should be continued. If unscheduled bleeding persists longer than a few cycles, consider causes other than ORTHO EVRA.
If the woman does not have scheduled or withdrawal bleeding (bleeding that should occur during the patch-free week), she should resume treatment on the next scheduled Change Day. If ORTHO EVRA has been used correctly, the absence of withdrawal bleeding is not necessarily an indication of pregnancy. Nevertheless, consider the possibility of pregnancy, especially if absence of withdrawal bleeding occurs in 2 consecutive cycles. Discontinue ORTHO EVRA if pregnancy is confirmed.
In Case of Skin Irritation
If patch use results in uncomfortable irritation, the patch may be removed and a new patch may be applied to a different location until the next Change Day. Only one patch should be worn at a time.
Additional Instructions for Dosing
Unscheduled bleeding, spotting, and amenorrhea are frequent reasons for patients discontinuing hormonal contraceptives. In case of breakthrough bleeding, as in all cases of irregular bleeding from the vagina, consider nonfunctional causes. In case of undiagnosed persistent or recurrent abnormal bleeding from the vagina, take adequate diagnostic measures to rule out pregnancy or malignancy. If pathology has been excluded, time or a change to another method of contraception may solve the problem.
Use of Hormonal Contraceptives in the Event of a Missed Menstrual Period
If the woman has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period. Discontinue use of ORTHO EVRA if pregnancy is confirmed.
If the woman has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses one period, she should continue using her contraceptive patches. However, if she has adhered to the prescribed regimen, misses one period and has symptoms associated with pregnancy, rule out pregnancy. Discontinue ORTHO EVRA use if pregnancy is confirmed.
If the woman has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy. Discontinue ORTHO EVRA use if pregnancy is confirmed.
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Monitoring of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in the drug label.
Description
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in the drug label.
Overdosage
Acute Overdose
Signs and Symptoms
Description
Management
Description
Chronic Overdose
There is limited information regarding Chronic Overdose of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in the drug label.
Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system Pharmacology in the drug label.
There is limited information regarding Patient Counseling Information of Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system in the drug label.
Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
