TRANSDERMAL CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
Ortho Evra is a combined hormonal contraceptive patch. Each patch contains 0.75 mg ethinyl estradiol and 6.0 mg norelgestromin. As with OCs, the main mechanism of action is the prevention of ovulation. Each patch is worn for 7 days and replaced each week, for 3 weeks out of every four. A withdrawal bleed occurs during the fourth week, when on patch is worn. Once-a-week dosing is convenient and may enhance the chances of correct use, compared to OCs. The benefits of the patch are similar to combined OCs, including usefulness in the management of both menorrhagia and dysmennorrhea. Disadventages include lack of privacy when the patch is worn on a visible area, and possible skin irritation and pigment at the site application. Like the OC, the patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Women who have contraindications to using estrogen may not use the patch. In a clinical trial, Orrho Evra had a higher failure rate in women weighing more than 198 lb compared to lightet women