Evra Transdermal Patch

What is this medication used for​​​?

EVRA® Transdermal Patch is a small sticky patch that contains two types of female hormones, a progestogen called Norelgestromin and an estrogen called Ethinylestradiol. The patch works by releasing hormones into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy.

When will the contraceptive effect kick in?

If you start using the patch on the first 1-5 days of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy straight away.

If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days.

What are the possible side effects of the medicines?​

• Spotting or bleeding may occur between your periods during the first few months of taking oral contraceptives. However, if this continues after the third month, check with your doctor. 
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating and stomach cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Headache or migraine - You may take painkillers such as Paracetamol to manage headaches 
• Unable to tolerate contact lenses
• Weight changes, mood swings
• Skin itching and skin irritation

Inform your doctor if the side effects above become severe and bother you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Using a combined hormonal medication increases a woman’s risk of developing blood clots compared to a woman not taking any combined hormonal contraception. The risk of developing a blood clot in a vein is highest during the first year a woman uses the medication. Other risk factors for developing blood clots include smoking and obesity. However, the formation of a blood clot is rare and the doctor would have considered the risks against the benefits before making the recommendation. 

The symptoms of a blood clot include one or more of the following:

• Any unusual sudden cough, breathlessness or difficulty in breathing 
• Severe pain in the chest which may reach the left arm
• Severe pain in legs or swelling in either of your legs
• Weakness or numbness in any part of your body
• Change in your speech, including slurring of words
• Change in your senses of hearing, smell or taste
• Vision changes such as loss of vision/blurred vision 

Other rare but serious effects that you may or may not experience: 

• Unusual, severe or long-lasting headache or worsening of migraine 
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe pain in your abdomen
• Dark urine or light coloured stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of eyes or skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, clotting disorders, heart diseases, migraine headaches, epilepsy (fits), diabetes or cancer 
• You are a smoker 

Handling and storage

• ​Keep your medicines in the original container or packaging, tightly closed or sealed in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
• Throw away all expired medicines.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/medicine/evra-transdermal-patch