How Effective Is the Ortho Evra Patch?

The effectiveness of the Ortho Evra patch when used as prescribed is better than 99 percent, which is on par with other hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills. In practice though, some women have trouble remembering to take pills every day, and so the effectiveness rate for birth control pills drops a bit. By contrast, the patch is replaced just once a week, so the convenience and lack of fuss may make the patch more effective than pills for some individuals. But this convenience comes with significantly increased serious health risks.

Function

• The Ortho Evra patch, similar to birth control pills, contains two types of progestin--a synthetic form of progesterone--and estrogen. But unlike birth control pills, the patch delivers hormones through the skin rather than orally. Estrogen in the patch prevents ovulation by mimicing the high estrogen levels of pregnancy. The progestins further control the fertility cycle by changing cervical mucous so that sperm cannot pass through and preventing the endometrium from becoming ready for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Features

• The patch is worn continuously and replaced weekly. It can be placed on the buttock, abdomen, non-fatty area of the upper torso or on the upper arm. The patch should be placed on clean skin that is free of lotions and powders and free of irritations, abrasions or rashes. During one week each month no patch is worn; during this week the woman will have her menstrual period.

Effects

• To remain effective, the Ortho Evra patch must be changed every seven days, precisely as directed. No more than seven days should elapse during the "no patch" period of the woman's cycle before the next patch is applied. Also, the patch must remain firmly affixed to the skin, so that delivery of hormones is consistent.

Considerations

• If a patch change or patch reapplication is delayed, or if the patch becomes dislodged for a significant period of time, back up contraception such as a condom or diaphragm, plus a spermicide, must be used for severeal days to prevent pregnancy. A woman should consult her doctor for precise instructions.

Warning

• Risks associated with use of the Ortho Evra patch are similar to those of birth control pills. But because the patch delivers roughly 60 percent more estrogen to the user than birth control pills, the incidence of these side effects is significantly higher. Specifically, heart attack, blood clots and certain cancers occur more often in women who use the patch. Smoking increases these risks. The makers of the Ortho Evra patch advise that women with a personal or family history of these problems and women who smoke should not use the patch.